Murali Kartik Backs Kuldeep Yadav, Calls For Consistency And Clear Test Role Ahead Of Sri Lanka Series

With India entering an important phase of their World Test Championship campaign, former India spinner Murali Kartik believes Kuldeep Yadav must be given a clearly defined role and sustained backing in the Test side, particularly with Ravindra Jadeja approaching the twilight of his career.

India currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with four wins and four defeats and will look to revive their campaign during their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. The series comes after their 0-2 defeat to South Africa and will be followed by a two-Test tour of New Zealand before a five-Test home series against Australia.

Kartik feels the Sri Lanka series could be particularly important in determining the future shape of India’s spin attack.

“This series is critical with the view of the WTC if we are serious about Test cricket, we are at number 5, our fortunes haven’t been great in red ball cricket of late, which is well-documented and everyone knows it,” Kartik said during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Wednesday.

The former spinner believes India’s transition in the spin department makes Kuldeep’s presence even more significant. Jadeja remains a key member of the Test team, but his advancing years mean India will eventually need a new leader in the spin department.

“The series will be test for the spinners as well. Jadeja – as good as he has been for Indian cricket – is in his twilight years. Manav Suthar with the way he made his debut against Afghanistan was very heartwarming for any old-school spinner.”

Kartik also pointed towards the lack of a sustained run for Kuldeep during the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid era. Since Gautam Gambhir became head coach in July 2024, Kuldeep has featured in six Tests, but his place in the red-ball setup has continued to generate debate.

“Kuldeep has been a match-winner for India but unfortunately for him it played out differently when he had Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid and now he’s not got that kind of a run in,” he said.

Kuldeep’s omission from India’s five-Test tour of England further intensified questions over his future in Test cricket. Despite his ability to provide breakthroughs, he was left out throughout the series.

“When you think of what happened in England, everybody kept saying during the course of those five Test matches, where is Kuldeep, where is Kuldeep? And Kuldeep didn’t play, he was sitting out,” Kartik said.

“So it’s very important from that point of view, now that Jadeja is in his twilight of his career, is he the leader, or is it going to be someone else.”

Kartik acknowledged Kuldeep’s injury history but insisted that consistency in selection and clarity over his position could help the wrist-spinner perform at his best.

“The key is he needs to be handled well. He’s had his share of injuries, even recently he struggled with his groin. But every time we talk about him playing, he’s not featured,” he said.

“You want consistency for Kuldeep. As a spinner, you want to know you’re a certainty-then you work very differently.”

“The way Rohit and Rahul handled him was different, and maybe that’s why Ashwin and Jadeja, who were part of that regime, feel that,” he said.