IND vs SA T20 series: India vs South Africa: After a difficult 24 months in the wilderness, Kuldeep Yadav made a roaring return in IPL 2022. With 21 wickets for Delhi Capitals, the chinaman bowler won four player of the match awards earning a recall to Team India. But the road to the T20 World Cup in October will only get tougher with Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi ahead in the pecking order. Follow IND vs SA live updates on Insidesport.IN.
As per selectors, Kuldeep Yadav has an uphill task with a stiff competition in the squad for the second spinner role in the T20 World Cup. The five-match T20 series against South Africa will be his first big test.
“For sure, the road is not easy for Kuldeep. He will have to prove once again at the international stage. He was really impressive in IPL and that confidence will help him. But he will need to work on a few things,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
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IND vs SA T20 Series: Uphill TASK for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Selectors say ‘Bishnoi & Chahal still preferred options for T20 World Cup’
With the South Africa series coming soon after the IPL, the selectors opted to rest some key personnel with the tour of England in mind. Kuldeep Yadav made a return alongside Yuzvendra Chahal in a strong spin contingent, which includes Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi in the ranks.
But that is where the tough journey begins for Kuldeep Yadav. Ravi Bishnoi made an impressive debut in the West Indies series, troubling the likes of Kieron Pollard. Axar Patel has already established himself as an all-rounder while Yuzvendra Chahal is the Purple Cap holder in IPL 2022. Then, there is Rahul Chahar, who is waiting for his opportunity. Ravindra Jadeja is also an automatic choice.
IND vs SA T20 Series: Uphill TASK for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Selectors say ‘Bishnoi & Chahal still preferred options for T20 World Cup’
That leaves Kuldeep Yadav with an uphill task to make his claim despite himself having a stellar season in the IPL. While Kuldeep will get his opportunities during the series, he will still have to upstage long time partner Yuzvendra Chahal and newcomer Ravi Bishnoi for a spot in the T20 World Cup.
“I don’t think the competition will be a problem for him. Bishnoi, Jadeja, Chahal all are good friends with him and it will only help him grow,” the official added.
IND vs SA T20 Series: Why is there pressure on Kuldeep to deliver?
- Ever since falling out of favour after the 2019 World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench with a lack of opportunities.
- Kuldeep played a total of 14 games over the last three seasons for KKR, before making a comeback with the Delhi Capitals.
- With 21 wickets to his name, Kuldeep has forced himself back into reckoning but the selectors still favour Chahal and Bishnoi who have also impressed.
- A failure to make his mark against South Africa could lead to another long spell on the bench, with the impending returns of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
- With the T20 World Cup later this year, Kuldeep will hope to continue his rich vein of form and grab the opportunity to nail his place in the side.
IND vs SA T20 Series: Uphill TASK for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Selectors say ‘Bishnoi & Chahal still preferred options for T20 World Cup’
And while Kuldeep’s comeback and resurgence have been impressive, there is still a long way to go for the 26-year-old to force his way into the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. Kuldeep, despite bagging 21 wickets, has not been consistent. He has often given away way too many runs.
Considering that, The South Africa series will determine Kuldeep’s path. If he does well, a ticket to England will be confirmed and that will lead him to the reckoning for T20 World Cup. But if he fails to deliver, he can kiss the India cap goodbye for another few months.
“It’s too early to say whether Kuldeep will be going to T20 World Cup. He will have to cross a few hurdles before we get there. Jadeja, Ashwin, Chahal, Rahul (Chahar) and Bishnoi will give him a tough fight for sure. But having said that, the experience he has and the determination he showed in the IPL, it will be helpful for him,” the selection committee official said.
IND vs SA T20 Series: Uphill TASK for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Selectors say ‘Bishnoi & Chahal still preferred options for T20 World Cup’
India’s T20I squad: KL Rahul (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain)(wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.
IND vs SA T20 Series: Uphill TASK for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Selectors say ‘Bishnoi & Chahal still preferred options for T20 World Cup’
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