Gautam Gambhir Backs Kuldeep Yadav After Quiet First Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Kuldeep Yadav after a quiet first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Kuldeep managed just one wicket across the two innings, bowling 25 overs in the match. He struggled to find his usual rhythm and control, while Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja did most of the damage to the Sri Lankan batting line-up.

Ahead of the second and final Test in Colombo, beginning on Sunday, Gambhir had a clear message for the spinner. “Bowl your best spell, don’t be desperate for wickets,” Gambhir said.

India returned to winning ways in the World Test Championship after a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Four days after that win, the visitors will be back in action in Colombo for the second and final Test.

India will be pleased with most aspects of their performance in Galle, but Kuldeep's form remains one of the major talking points. Gambhir did not fully reveal whether India would stick to their winning combination for the Colombo Test. However, he made it clear that the team's priority would be to field a bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets.

“We will try to field the best bowling attack that can get us 20 wickets,” Gambhir said.

Kuldeep's quiet outing in Galle has put the spotlight on his place in the playing XI. The left-arm wrist spinner dismissed Kamindu Mendis during his opening spell in the first innings but could not make much of an impact after that. He bowled 25 overs in the match and finished with just one wicket.

Asked if Kuldeep was under-bowled, Gambhir said it was a decision for captain Shubman Gill based on what he felt was right during the match. “It’s captain’s decision depending on what he feels right during a period,” Gambhir said.

With Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowling well, Kuldeep had to wait for his opportunities. When he was brought into the attack, he struggled to find his usual lines and lengths. However, India may still continue with Kuldeep because of his experience and quality.

The team management will now have to decide whether to give him another chance or bring in someone like Indore off-spinner Saransh Jain. Saransh has a good First-Class record, having taken 188 wickets in 54 matches for Madhya Pradesh. But Kuldeep remains one of India's most experienced and skilled spinners.