- Kuldeep says the IPL to Test Challenge requires major adjustment
- India spinner spent 10-15 days preparing with the red ball
- Veteran ready to guide young spinners in Jadeja’s absence
As India switch gears from the frenetic pace of the Indian Premier League to the traditional demands of Test cricket, Kuldeep Yadav has admitted the transition is one of the toughest challenges modern cricketers face.
The experienced left-arm wrist spinner has spent the past fortnight preparing specifically for India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, ensuring he is fully tuned into the nuances of red-ball cricket after a lengthy IPL campaign.
Following a disappointing IPL season with Delhi Capitals, where he claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches, Kuldeep used the gap before the Test to focus entirely on regaining his rhythm and sharpening his longer format skills.
Adjusting from T20 aggression to Test patience
Speaking ahead of the Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep acknowledged that moving from the all-out attacking nature of T20 cricket to the patience-driven environment of Test cricket is far from straightforward.
He said:
“It is tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. 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.”
The spinner explained that the mindset shift is often as challenging as the technical adjustments required.
As Kuldeep pointed out:
“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.”
Several members of India’s squad have arrived straight from the IPL final with limited time to prepare. Despite that, Kuldeep believes the group is equipped to make the adjustment.
He added:
“Some players are coming straight after the IPL final. They don’t have that much time. But I’m sure they have prepared well. So yes, it’s a challenge, but I’m confident that everyone is preparing themselves well.”
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Red-ball preparation key to success
Kuldeep believes Test cricket rewards bowlers who master the finer details of their craft and remain patient throughout long spells.
Discussing the areas he has focused on during his preparation, he said:
“Consistency of bowling on a good length matter. That is a big challenge. Tactics matter a lot. Which angles you are bowling from, which crease position you are using, all these become very important.”
He also stressed the importance of subtle variations that can make the difference in red-ball cricket.
Kuldeep explained:
“Small things like giving flight to the ball, deceiving the batter in the air, using the red ball well. There are many things, but for that you need time.”
Why the IPL to Test Challenge is never easy
The Afghanistan Test could represent a significant milestone in Kuldeep’s career.
For the first time, he may lead India’s spin attack without either Ravichandran Ashwin, who has retired from Test cricket, or Ravindra Jadeja, who has been rested for the match.
Their absence places additional responsibility on Kuldeep’s shoulders, particularly with younger spinners expected to play a larger role.
Leading a new-look India spin attack
While acknowledging the importance of Jadeja and Axar Patel to India’s Test set-up, Kuldeep expressed confidence in the squad’s emerging talent.
He said:
“Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there, as he is a regular Test player. We will also miss Axar Patel in the Test match. But the preparations have been good.”
Kuldeep believes the spin group has enough quality to thrive despite the absence of familiar faces.
As he noted:
“Many youngsters are here — Harsh, Manav. Washi is also playing Test cricket quite regularly now, so he is well settled in the set-up.”
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Kuldeep’s approach to helping young spinners
Among those hoping to make an impact are Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar, two promising spinners who have steadily progressed through India’s development pathway.
Kuldeep sees part of his role as helping younger players settle into the international environment, though he prefers a collaborative approach rather than acting as a traditional mentor.
He explained:
“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.”
The 31-year-old revealed that strong relationships have already developed within the squad.
He added:
“Right now, there is good bonding with two or three of the younger players. It feels good to have them around.”
Kuldeep also uses discussions about conditions and tactics to help younger teammates develop their understanding of the game.
He said:
“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 should the team approach the match.”
According to Kuldeep, patience remains the defining quality for any spinner aiming to succeed in Test cricket.
He explained:
“So, 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.”
Dubey and Suthar backed to shine on the big stage
Despite lacking international experience, Kuldeep believes India’s young spinners are well prepared for the challenge ahead thanks to their regular exposure to first-class cricket and India A tours.
Backing both players to make the step up, he said:
“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.”
Kuldeep believes their grounding in red-ball cricket will help them adapt quickly to the international stage.
As he concluded:
“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.”
As India prepare to begin a new Test assignment, Kuldeep’s experience and leadership could prove just as valuable as the wickets he hopes to take. With a new generation of spinners waiting in the wings, the left-armer is embracing the responsibility of helping shape India’s future while continuing to lead from the front.
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