Former Indian cricketer Murali Kartik expressed his confusion over Kuldeep Yadav’s inconsistent run in the Indian team despite the left-arm wrist-spinner boasting an impressive record across all three formats.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Kartik questioned the difference in treatment between Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy, arguing that the former offers more value with his batting and fielding abilities while also being younger, and wondered why Kuldeep has struggled to secure a consistent run in the side.
“When it comes to Kuldeep Yadav I am confused myself. That’s why I am searching for words here because his record across all three formats of the game is exceptionally good, but somehow he still can’t string together game after game. I don’t know the reason, again that’s why I said if Varun Chakravarthy can be seen solely for his bowling skills, then why not Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep Yadav is a much better batter and a much better fielder so to say, compared to Varun Chakravarthy, and he’s got age on his side. So I don’t understand why,” Kartik said on Sony Sports Network.
Kartik also noted that Kuldeep has been selected across all three formats for the New Zealand series. Kartik expressed hope that the team management would recognise Kuldeep’s match-winning potential and value him as a wicket-taking option who can make a significant impact.
“It’s always been a constant question in all our minds when we think of why Kuldep Yadav was not picked, in England when everyone was asking for him to be picked he didn’t play the Test matches, against Sri Lanka he played the first Test match, didn’t play the second. I know he didn’t have the best of games, for whatever reason, but that doesn’t mean you become bad in one game. Again he’s been picked in all three formats, and I think him and Nitish Kumar Reddy are the only two players who are common denominator across all three teams across the New Zealand series. And I hope Kuldeep Yadav is seen as a match-winner because he is one, he is a wicket-taking bowler for you,” he added.
