Kuldeep has plans for Sri Lankan batsmen

After being left to practice in the nets and carry water for his India team-mates, Kuldeep Yadav might have a chance of playing his maiden overseas Test during the third match.

Kuldeep Yadav made his Test debut in Dharamshala against Australia.

Life has changed inexorably for Kuldeep Yadav since his Test debut against Australia at Dharamshala in March.

The chinaman bowler’s first innings haul of four for 68 stunned Steve Smith’s men. It also secured for the 22-year-old the Indian squad’s third-spinner slot.

 

In the current series against Sri Lanka, Kuldeep was left to practice in the nets and carry water laced with isotonic salts for his India team-mates in the middle.

But another chance of playing in a Test might well beckon Kuldeep as Ravindra Jadeja has been suspended from the third match commencing here on Saturday.

Kuldeep spoke to the media during the course of India’s training session on Wednesday.

Excerpts

A maiden overseas Test

I was excited to play my debut Test as well so if I get a chance to play in Sri Lanka I will be very happy because I have been working hard. Obviously excited but there is also some nervousness.

Bowling in Sri Lanka

Wickets here are similar to Indian pitches. So you do have an idea about how to bowl. Only the batsmen are a bit different in terms of their approach but I have planned a bit and if I am able to do it to the field, it will be good.

Countering the sweep

(Kusal) Mendis and (Dimuth) Karunaratne batted well in the last Test and they played the sweep very well. My plan is to try and control so that they do not play that shot much. But playing sweep also means getting a lot of chances and if you plan a little, it helps.

The chinaman mystique

It doesn’t matter whether you are a left-arm spinner or right-arm spinner. It is about bowling in the right areas and that’s what matters. If you are doing quality bowling, the batsmen will have trouble.

Working with Bharat Arun

I have been working with Arun (bowling coach) for the past 10 years. I share a lot of things with him and he tells me a lot about bowling and he knows what to do and what not to do.

Dharamshala debut

(Anil) Kumble sir and Ajju bhai (Ajinkya Rahane) both said ‘just enjoy your bowling and do what you do in the nets and have been doing since childhood’.

In my head, the first ball was important and I wanted to bowl it very well. When the first ball was good and the first few overs went well, I grew in confidence and lost my nervousness.