Kuldeep Yadav focused on Test cricket ahead of Afghanistan series

Kuldeep Yadav (Photo by @BCCI on X)

NEW DELHI: India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says his attention is firmly on Test cricket as he prepares to spearhead the team's spin attack in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Despite a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where he picked up only 10 wickets and the team missed the playoffs, the early exit has given him valuable time to switch gears and focus on the longer format. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who has taken 76 wickets in 17 Tests, believes his primary responsibility is to deliver breakthroughs for the team. "As an attacking spinner, I want to get breakthroughs for the team regularly, and that's my only mindset. My focus is fully on playing red-ball cricket," the spinner said on JioHotstar's "Follow the Blues" segment. Kuldeep admitted that moving from T20 cricket to the demands of Test matches is never easy. He used the extra time after the IPL to prepare specifically for red-ball cricket and get accustomed to the different challenges it presents. “It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. Preparation becomes very necessary. Luckily, I have time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball," he added. He explained that patience and consistency are far more important in Test cricket than in T20s, saying, “Bowling in Test cricket is different. In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. But in Test cricket, the batter has a lot of time." Kuldeep also stressed the importance of having a strong spin attack, especially with major Test assignments against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand coming up, adding, “I believe that if you have a quality spin attack in your team, you can break the game open in any situation." With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested, Kuldeep will have added responsibility in Afghanistan Test. However, he is confident that youngsters Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar are ready for the challenge. "The preparations have been going well for the Afghanistan Test match. We have had two net sessions so far. Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there. He is a regular in Tests. We will also miss Axar Patel. But the preparations have been good," he revealed. Kuldeep praised the young spinners for their domestic experience and red-ball exposure. He added, “They might lack international experience, but when it comes to preparation and match awareness when it comes to red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they have been playing regularly." He believes their recent involvement in India A tours and domestic tournaments has prepared them well for the international stage.