'Has performed whenever he got a chance' - Anil Kumble backs 28-year-old leg spinner for Test comeback

India thrashed West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in the first of the two Tests in the ongoing series. While Yashasvi Jaiswal won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 171-run knock on debut, India’s spin ace Ravichandran Ashwin reminded everyone of his capabilities. He took a cumulative 12 wickets in the game, five in the first innings and seven in the second. He was well supported by Ravindra Jadeja who bagged five in the game, three in the first innings and two in the second.

Overall, India’s spin contingent had a top game. However, Indian spin Legend Anil Kumble, who was present for his broadcasting duties at the venue opined that having Kuldeep Yadav in the mix would be better for India. “He should definitely be there because he is a very good bowler. Leg-spinners are very attacking bowlers and it is also difficult at times, they concede runs as well but you need to take a leg-spinner along with you and groom him, and whenever you get a chance, he should be given an opportunity,” said Kumble on JioCinema.

‘Kuldeep Yadav is a very good spinner for Test matches’ – Anil Kumble

“Kuldeep Yadav is a very good spinner for Test matches. He has given very good performances whenever he has got a chance as well. There are a lot of wrist spinners in white-ball formats. We are not getting to see them much in Test matches,” Kumble added. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has been selected in the squad for the ODIs in the same tour.

Kumble praised the performances of Ashwin and Jadeja. However, he stood firm on the opinion that Kuldeep Yadav should also be included in the plans for Tests by the Indian Cricket Team. “Ashwin and Jadeja are doing a very good job for the Indian team currently. Both are high-quality spin bowlers. The third spinner is also Axar Patel, he has done extremely well whenever he has got an opportunity. As I said, Kuldeep Yadav should also be kept alongside them and played whenever you get a chance,” said Kumble.