Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL

Transitioning from T20 to Test Cricket

The transition from the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the measured patience of Test cricket is a challenge that every professional cricketer faces. As the Indian cricket team gears up for their upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav has opened up about the complexities of this shift. Following an underwhelming IPL 2026 campaign, where he claimed ten wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.29, Kuldeep has utilized his time away from the competitive T20 setup to recalibrate his game.

“It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket,” Kuldeep remarked during a recent media interaction. “Preparation becomes very necessary.”

Reclaiming the Red-Ball Rhythm

For Kuldeep, the early exit of his franchise, Delhi Capitals, proved to be a blessing in disguise. While his teammates involved in the deeper stages of the tournament faced a hectic schedule, Kuldeep found the necessary breathing room to focus on his traditional craft. “Luckily, I got time. I practised for at least 10 to 15 days, and got the feel of the red ball,” he explained. The spinner highlighted the fundamental difference in mindset between the two formats: “In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it’s not like that. The batter has a lot of time.”

Leading an Inexperienced Spin Attack

The Indian spin department faces a period of transition. With the retirement of R Ashwin, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, and the omission of Axar Patel, the responsibility of leading the attack has shifted significantly. The current squad features a relatively young spin cohort, including debutants Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar, alongside Washington Sundar and Kuldeep, both of whom have 17 Test caps to their name.

Kuldeep is embracing the role of a senior mentor, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where newcomers feel welcome. “Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner. If he has any problem, he should feel free to talk to you, and you must be ready to support him,” he stated.

The Readiness of the New Guard

Despite the lack of extensive international experience, Kuldeep is confident in the pedigree of the younger spinners. “Over the last two years, these young players have been part of India A tours. They are also playing the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy regularly. So there might be a lack of international experience, but when it comes to preparation, match awareness, or red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly.”

Regarding the technical discussions held within the group, Kuldeep noted a focus on adaptability and composure. “We talk freely as a group, especially about the conditions. If I want to test the youngsters, then I ask them questions regarding their understanding of the pitch, the weather conditions, and how the team should approach the match. Our conversations are mostly about basic tactics, what lengths to bowl, what pace works on this surface, and how spinners need to be patient in Test cricket. Patience is everything in this format.” As the team prepares for the challenge against Afghanistan, this blend of tactical maturity and youthful energy will be the cornerstone of India’s spin attack.