Kuldeep Yadav makes a compelling case for IND vs NZ Test selection [Source- AFP]Experienced spinner Kuldeep Yadav was benched by the Indian team management, led by Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, for the second Test of the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka. The left-arm wrist spinner bagged a solitary wicket in the first Test, while the team management was accused of underutilising him in Galle, where India swatted aside Sri Lanka by 165 runs to take a decisive lead in the series. While head coach Gautam Gambhir indirectly blamed Indian captain Shubman Gill for Kuldeep bowling only 25 overs in the Galle Test, the seasoned campaigner made a compelling case for his inclusion in the India Test squad vs New Zealand by performing admirably in the County Championship encounter between Yorkshire and Essex. Kuldeep Yadav proves his match-winning credentials for Yorkshire in County cricketAfter the conclusion of the India vs Sri Lanka Test series, Kuldeep Yadav travelled to England to represent Yorkshire in the County Championship 2026. Kuldeep, who also starred for the club in the One-Day Cup, scalping nine wickets in just five outings at a superb economy of 4.46, kicked off his red-ball journey with a bang. He registered a sensational ten-wicket haul in the match, playing an instrumental role in Yorkshire's one-sided victory over Essex at Headingley, Leeds. After winning the toss and batting first, Yorkshire posted a respectable total of 390 runs in their first innings. In response, Essex were bundled out for 171 runs, despite wicketkeeper-batter George Bell contributing 64 runs to their tally. Also Read: Kuldeep Yadav’s Search for His Way BackKuldeep Yadav triggered their batting collapse by dismissing the openers- Paul Walter and Tom Westley- before trapping Charlie Allison plumb in front of the stumps for 15. Later, Kuldeep went on to castle Mitchell Killeen, thus finishing the first innings with figures of 4 for 70. The Indian spinner put up a more impactful performance in the second innings after Yorkshire decided to enforce the follow-on. He was outstanding with the ball and bagged six wickets for 50 runs, helping Yorkshire dismantle Essex for 113 runs. Thus, Kuldeep finished the game with phenomenal figures of 10 for 120, recording the most wickets for his team in the match. Kuldeep Yadav issues reminder to Shubman Gill, Gambhir before IND vs NZ TestsKuldeep Yadav has an excellent record in Test cricket, scalping 80 wickets in 19 matches. The pitches in India assist spin bowling, and Kuldeep, being a wily spinner, averages 23.18 and has struck at a rate of 38.67 across 14 home Tests. But interestingly, the wrist spinner has proved his mettle overseas too, accounting for 19 dismissals in five Tests at an almost identical average of 23.95 and a strike rate of 41.63. Kuldeep has a five-wicket haul in Australia, and his recent performance in England is a testament to his match-winning calibre in countries where spin bowlers are generally not considered as potent options. So, although India have preferred Manav Suthar as their frontline spinner due to his superior batting abilities, Kuldeep has issued a reminder to captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, giving them a valid reason to consider him for the India vs New Zealand Test series. What is Kuldeep Yadav's record in New Zealand?Kuldeep Yadav hasn't played a Test in New Zealand. However, he has enjoyed stellar success in the country in white-ball cricket, scalping 12 wickets in six matches, including five ODIs and a T20I, at an average of 19.58 and a strike rate of 21.5. He also has an impressive record against New Zealand, accounting for 39 dismissals in 26 innings, striking at a rate of 28.3. Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq Stumble In Criminal Investigation, Seek 2nd Chance
