“Despite limited opportunities….”: Kumble hails Kuldeep for five-for against WI in Delhi Test

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble praised spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his first-innings five-wicket haul, asserting that, despite limited playtime, he consistently maintains his rhythm and confidence, showcasing his match-winning abilities, reports 24brussels.

Kuldeep’s performance was crucial in reducing West Indies from 156/4 to 248 all out in their first innings during the second Test in Delhi on October 12. This success follows a remarkable 17-wicket campaign during the Asia Cup, and marks his first appearances since last year’s home series against New Zealand, a series India lost decisively 0-3. Although Kuldeep was included in the squad for the tour of England, he remained sidelined throughout the five-match Test series.

Since his debut in 2017, Kuldeep has played 15 Tests for India, taking 65 wickets at an average of 21.90. His best figures are 5/40, and he has achieved five-wicket hauls in 28 innings. Anil Kumble noted that the competition from fellow spinners, including Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Washington Sundar, has limited Kuldeep’s opportunities to play in both home and away matches.

Kumble commented on ‘Cricket Live,’ stating, “Absolutely brilliant! I have always been a great admirer of Kuldeep Yadav, and despite limited opportunities, he consistently showcases his match-winning abilities. It is not easy to maintain rhythm and confidence without regular play, but Kuldeep seized this chance perfectly in the first innings.” He expects Kuldeep to play a pivotal role as India attempts to take the remaining wickets.

With 35 wickets across 16 international matches this year at an average of 18.71, Kuldeep stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, behind Mohammed Siraj, who has taken 36 wickets. Kumble also acknowledged the impressive 138-run partnership for the third wicket between John Campbell and Shai Hope, which provided the West Indies with a fighting chance after being forced to follow on. Kumble described the partnership as indicative of the “true flair of West Indies cricket.”

“The partnership combined caution with aggression and showcased the true flair of West Indies cricket,” Kumble remarked. He noted that the pitch conditions favored their aggressive playing style, allowing ample time to adapt against the spinners. The foundation laid by lower-order batsmen Anderson Phillip and Khary Pierre instilled belief in the batting line-up.

“The message from the lower order to play straight and apply themselves evidently resonated. Campbell, despite an unusual dismissal in the first innings, played positively against the spinners, exerting pressure back on the bowlers. Shai Hope complemented Campbell brilliantly with disciplined batting,” Kumble added.

At the close of play, the West Indies stood at 173/2, with Campbell (87*) and Hope (66*) not out. They began the day at 140/4 in their first innings, with Hope not out on 31 alongside TA Imlach on 14. Kuldeep dismissed Hope for 36 from 57 balls, breaking the fifth-wicket partnership of 49 runs.

Though Khary Pierre (23 from 46 balls) and Anderson Phillip (24* from 93 balls) showed resistance, they ultimately fell victim to Kuldeep (5/82) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/46), as the West Indies were bowled out for 248 runs in 81.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj also contributed with one wicket each.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat first. A strong 58-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul (38 off 54 balls) set the stage before Rahul was dismissed by a sharply turning delivery from Warrican. Jaiswal went on to compile a remarkable 193-run stand with Sai Sudharsan (87 from 165 balls), and partnered with skipper Shubman Gill, who scored 129 off 196 balls. Jaiswal’s efforts included an impressive 175 off 258 balls, and Gill notched his fifth century of the year before India declared their first innings at 518/5.

Warrican was the standout bowler for the West Indies, taking 3 wickets for 98 runs. Despite contributions from Tagenarine Chanderpaul (34 off 67 balls) and Alick Athaneze (41 off 84 balls), the Windies ended the second day at 140/4.

Brief Scores: India: 518/5 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129*, Jomel Warrican 3/98) vs West Indies: 248 and 173/2 (John Campbell 87*, Shai Hope 66*, Mohammed Siraj 1/10).