Kuldeep Yadav: I am expecting a Test call

Kuldeep Yadav applauds during the first ODI against England at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Pic/Bipin Patel

Kuldeep Yadav has become a big mystery for the England batsmen. Whenever the conditions suit the chinaman bowler, he has undone the famed batting line-up much to the embarrassment to the No. 1 ODI team. With an impressive performance in the first ODI at Trent Bridge (6-25), and before that with a five-wicket haul in T20I match at Manchester, he has become a vital cog in the Indian bowling attack. With a long summer ahead for India in the UK, one can expect the left-arm wrist spinner to realise his full potential and keep troubling the England batsmen.

His inclusion in the Test team is now a foregone conclusion. "Yes, I am expecting a Test call," said Kuldeep after his match-winning performance. "Whatever the format, it is important for me to bowl well and keep the pressure on the England batsmen," he added Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg, who was a successful chinaman bowler himself, believes that Kuldeep should be a part of India's Test squad. "Kuldeep provides the much-needed variety to the Indian spin attack and I would definitely have him in the Test squad," Hogg told a news agency.

"I feel Kuldeep attacks the stumps a lot more and his quick-arm action does bamboozle the opposition. Having said that, I would like to see him bowl a lot quicker when he sees the batsmen step out and attack him. It will not allow the batsmen to play the power-strokes," the Aussie added.

In fact, the home team may have to rethink the types of pitches they would like for the remainder of the India series, especially with the red ball. They would surely want to blunt the spin factor by providing grassy pitches. But more importantly, their batsmen will require to tackle their own demons when up against Kuldeep. If they allow him to dominate they will always be on the back foot.

The second ODI at Lord's today will answer a few questions regarding Kuldeep's ability to bowl as well on smaller grounds and England batsmen's capability in tacking him. If the conditions remain hot and dry, Kuldeep could well become a big factor in the remaining part of the tour as well.

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