Ajinkya Rahane backs Kuldeep Yadav’s development as India prepares for Sri Lanka Tests

Ajinkya Rahane has backed Kuldeep Yadav‘s progress as a cricketer, highlighting the left-arm spinner’s work on his game over the past several years. The 38-year-old spoke ahead of the India versus Sri Lanka Test series, which begins within one week at Galle. India will field a four-man spin quartet for the tour, with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.

Kuldeep has faced the challenge of inconsistent selection throughout his Test career, playing only 17 Tests since his debut in March 2017 at Dharamsala, where he took 4-68 in the first innings. Despite limited opportunities, he has claimed 79 wickets overall and demonstrated his quality in white-ball cricket whenever called upon.

“I think Kuldeep has developed his game over the last four or five years. He has worked on his speed in the air. It is tough for any player who is in and out of the playing XI because cricket is all about rhythm, whether you are batting or bowling,” Rahane said on The Indian Express.

“Kuldeep is a quality spinner. That is why I backed him in Dharamsala. I knew he was a wicket-taker. Even though he was inexperienced at the time, I believed throwing him into that situation would help, because I was confident he would perform. You need to back your players, especially when they are match-winners. It is not easy when you play one Test and then sit out the next four or five. Rhythm is very important, particularly for bowlers,” he added.

Kuldeep’s confidence and future prospects

Rahane emphasised that consistent playing time allows bowlers to develop their craft and find their natural rhythm. The former captain has long been an advocate for backing young talent, and his support for Kuldeep reflects his belief in the spinner’s potential to deliver at the highest level.

“Every day, the ball doesn’t come out of your hand the same way. By playing continuously, you gradually find that rhythm and perform consistently. I am really happy with Kuldeep’s improvement. Whenever he got opportunities in white-ball cricket, he did really well. He is much more confident now. At the same time, it is tough for him because he has not consistently got enough opportunities,” Rahane said.