‘He Will Deliver’: Ajinkya Rahane Urges India to Back Kuldeep Yadav Ahead of Colombo Test

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his support behind Kuldeep Yadav, urging India’s team management to continue backing the wrist-spinner despite his modest return in the opening Test against Sri Lanka.

Kuldeep claimed just one wicket in the first Test in Galle, prompting questions over whether India could make a change for the second Test in Colombo. However, Rahane believes the spinner deserves another opportunity and stressed the importance of giving him confidence.

“I want Kuldeep Yadav to be given more confidence. He needs the team to stand by him at this point,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

Rahane pointed to Kuldeep’s ability to influence important moments in matches and backed him to respond if the team continues to show faith in him.

“Whenever there are crucial situations, he has picked up wickets. Yes, he did not get to bowl a lot here. All these things happen in the game, and sometimes you don't get the rhythm. But I want to see Kuldeep being backed if the conditions are similar. He is a match-winning bowler. If the team backs him now, he will deliver,” he added.

Rahane backs winning combination

Rahane also suggested that India should avoid making unnecessary changes after their commanding victory in Galle. India currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by 165 runs.

According to Rahane, the pitch and weather conditions at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo should determine whether India need to alter their combination.

“If there are seaming conditions and not a dry wicket, with some grass on it, then maybe there can be one change based on it. But otherwise, I don't see any changes for the next Test,” he said.

The former India batter believes the team could retain the same combination if Colombo offers conditions similar to Galle.

India’s dominant start to the series

India produced an all-round performance in the first Test. After posting a strong first-innings total, the visitors controlled the match with both bat and ball before completing a comprehensive victory.

Devdutt Padikkal was one of the standout performers with the bat, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar emerged as the match-winning force with the ball.

Suthar finished with match figures of 10/101, including 6/55 in Sri Lanka’s second innings, helping India defend a challenging target and secure a crucial series lead.

Kuldeep’s role under scrutiny

The debate surrounding Kuldeep is less about his long-term ability and more about how India should balance their bowling attack according to conditions.

A wrist-spinner can offer India a different dimension, particularly when the surface begins to deteriorate and provides grip and turn. But if Colombo produces a greener or more seam-friendly pitch, the team could consider adjusting its combination.

For now, Rahane’s message is clear: India should not lose faith in Kuldeep after one quiet outing.

With the series on the line, the second Test could provide Kuldeep with the opportunity to repay that confidence—and potentially remind everyone why he remains one of India’s most dangerous spin options.

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