Kuldeep Yadav Mentors Manav Suthar And Harsh Dubey Before Afghanistan Test
Kuldeep mentors debutants ahead of Afghanistan Test match.
India’s veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav has said he intends to take on a “partner-like” role rather than a traditional mentoring position with debutants Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which begins in Mullanpur on Saturday. The left-arm wrist spinner emphasised the importance of creating a comfortable dressing-room environment for young players stepping into international cricket.
Kuldeep, who has played over 365 international matches across formats, said senior players have a responsibility to ensure newcomers feel at ease in the squad. He noted that his approach is to encourage open communication rather than a hierarchical mentor-student dynamic, allowing younger players to seek guidance freely during training sessions and match preparation.
The spinner said that a key part of his interaction with the newcomers involves discussing match conditions and tactical awareness. He added that team conversations often revolve around pitch behaviour, weather conditions, and bowling strategies, particularly focusing on line, length, and patience required in Test cricket. According to Kuldeep, asking youngsters to analyse situations helps build their decision-making skills at the highest level.
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Kuldeep also acknowledged that India will miss the presence of senior spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in the squad for this match. However, he expressed confidence in the abilities of the younger group, highlighting that players like Suthar and Dubey have been part of India A tours and domestic red-ball competitions such as the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy, which have helped prepare them for the step up.
The 31-year-old said that while the newcomers may lack international experience, they are not short on preparation or exposure to high-quality red-ball cricket. He pointed out that regular participation in domestic tournaments has given them a strong foundation in match awareness and technical skills needed for longer formats.
Kuldeep also reflected on his own transition from the IPL to Test cricket, noting the importance of adapting mindset and preparation within a short turnaround. After a modest IPL season with Delhi Capitals, where he picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches, he said he spent nearly two weeks training specifically with the red ball to regain rhythm and adjust his bowling approach for the longer format.
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