Much was expected from Kuldeep Yadav following Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement. The left-arm wrist spinner, who is generally considered to be among the best specialist spinners currently in the game, has had a difficult time securing a regular spot in the side.
Although Kuldeep continues to earn selection in the India squad for different formats, the player has struggled to get a consistent opportunity to bat and bowl at the same time. However, with the head coach Gautam Gambhir apparently showing preference to bowlers who could contribute with the bat, Kuldeep's opportunities were further limited.
The chinaman spinner has now reminded the Indian team management of what he can offer with the ball. Playing for Yorkshire against Essex in the County Championship, Kuldeep provided a sensational 10-wicket haul, taking 4/70 in the first innings and 6/50 in the second.
The left-arm spinner recorded match figures of 10/120 from his two spells in English conditions, while he managed to contribute a useful 36 with the bat as his side posted 390 after batting out of 284 by Essex.
Kuldeep Yadav makes his case in England
Speaking to Yorkshire Cricket TV after his match-winning performance, Kuldeep spoke about conditions which were suited for his spin.
“It was a lovely wicket to bowl on because you don't have to bowl quick in terms of pace because the wicket already has pace in it,” Kuldeep explained.
“After pitching, you can see there is a bit of quickness, and you just have to spin the ball and put a lot of revs on it. Ultimately, that was the key. If you compare it to Indian conditions, it's totally different. Back home, when you bowl, you will get to see a lot of spin, but the wickets are on the slower side, and the batsmen can adjust sometimes.
“Here, because of the quickness, if they go back foot, they get trapped, and probably they have to play front foot. That's where you have a better chance of getting them caught behind or slip or maybe short-leg.”
Finding quality left-arm wrist-spinners isn't only a problem in India, but around the world. Despite having a rare skill set, Kuldeep has played only 19 Tests for India since making his debut in 2017.
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Early in his international career, Kuldeep often found himself on the bench or outside the squad as team management opted to utilize the spin-bowling resources of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Even after Ashwin's retirement, Kuldeep has yet to be an automatic selection. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel have continued to pick up opportunities, as have youngsters like Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain. In the meantime, Kuldeep has continued to come in and out of India's playing XI without getting the run that could make him a first-choice option.
His latest County Championship performance has served as a timely reminder of his match-winning abilities. A 10-wicket haul in England, plus a useful contribution with the bat, has given Kuldeep another strong argument for more opportunities.
As for Gambhir and the Indian team management, the message from Kuldeep is simple. Give him the confidence and the responsibility, and he has the ability to deliver with the ball.