Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL
Contents
The Transition from T20 to Test Cricket
The shift from the high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the traditional format of Test cricket is a challenge that even the most seasoned professionals face. For Kuldeep Yadav, this transition is particularly significant as he prepares for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Having endured a challenging IPL 2026 season, the left-arm wristspinner is viewing the upcoming encounter as an opportunity to find his rhythm with the red ball.
Refining Skills After a Challenging IPL
Kuldeep’s campaign in the 2026 IPL saw him collect ten wickets across 12 matches. With an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.29, it was a period that did not yield the results he or his franchise, the Delhi Capitals, had hoped for. However, this lack of playoff progression provided an unexpected silver lining: additional time to focus on his red-ball craft.
“It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket,” Kuldeep admitted during an interaction. “Preparation becomes very necessary. Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days, and got the feel of the red ball.” He noted that while T20 cricket demands a constant attacking mindset, Test cricket requires a different kind of patience, as batters have more time to settle and construct their innings.
A Fresh Spin Attack for India
The Indian spin department finds itself in a transitional phase for this fixture. With the retirement of R. Ashwin, the rest granted to Ravindra Jadeja, and the omission of Axar Patel, the squad presents a youthful and relatively inexperienced look. Kuldeep and offspinner Washington Sundar serve as the experienced core, each having played 17 Test matches, while Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have earned their first-ever call-ups.
Kuldeep is embracing his role as a mentor to these newcomers. “Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable,” he explained. “You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you.” Despite their lack of international experience, Kuldeep remains confident in the group, highlighting their consistent participation in India A tours, the Duleep Trophy, and the Irani Trophy.
Tactics and Patience in the Long Format
Preparation for the Afghanistan Test involves more than just physical training; it requires deep tactical discussion. When asked about how he mentors his younger teammates, Kuldeep emphasized the importance of game awareness.
- Understanding Conditions: The group engages in frequent discussions regarding pitch behavior and weather patterns.
- Tactical Execution: Conversations often revolve around finding the correct lengths and adjusting pace based on the surface.
- The Virtue of Patience: Kuldeep stresses that in Test cricket, patience is the ultimate catalyst for success.
By engaging in open dialogues about bowling strategies and match awareness, the Indian spin contingent is looking to bridge the gap between their domestic successes and the demands of international Test cricket. As the team gears up for the clash in New Chandigarh, the focus remains on discipline and the collective effort to excel in the longest format of the game.
