Kuldeep Yadav is preparing for what could be a series-defining second Test for India at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The wrist-spinner, who wasn’t picked for the first Test at Headingley, is pushing hard for a place in the XI as India look to come back after a disappointing loss in the series opener.
Interestingly, ahead of this crucial series against England, Yadav revealed he had a key conversation with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who serves as a mentor to Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025. The spinner claimed that the conversation gave him a clearer picture of how to tackle English batters in their own backyard.
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While India’s pace attack failed to leave a mark in the series opener, the slow nature of English pitches this summer might force the team to consider a double-spin strategy. And that could open the door for Kuldeep, who brings variety and aggression to the bowling unit.
What advice did Kevin Pietersen give to Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep shared that Pietersen offered him insights into how English batters approach spin, especially in Test cricket. The veteran batter apparently told him to focus more on drift and revs rather than relying solely on surface help.
Pietersen pointed out that with England’s attacking style, especially the Bazball approach, a good wrist-spinner who can deceive in the air will always stay in the game.
Kuldeep said the advice made him think deeper about his role, and how his strength lies in flight, spin, and deception, things batters don’t often face in domestic cricket.
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"Kevin Petersen was part of our team at DC. He gave me a lot of input for the England tour. He told me about fielding positions, pitches and the batsmen. We ran through their batting lineup. He told me about the mindset needed in England," said Kuldeep.
He added: "Pietersen said that generally spinners come to England with a defensive mindset. They think that in England, fast bowlers will get wickets and they will be in a supporting role. He told me to take the field with an attacking mindset. If I get a game and bowl 15 to 20 overs, I have to always think about how to get the batsmen out."
Will India finally back Kuldeep at Edgbaston?
India is under pressure after a heavy defeat at Leeds. The pace bowlers, other than Jasprit Bumrah, were ineffective, and the team looked one-dimensional. With Edgbaston known to slow down as the game progresses, a wrist-spinner could offer much-needed penetration in the middle overs.
Kuldeep’s record is impressive, 22.16 average from 13 Tests, and he’s coming off a five-wicket haul against England in his last red-ball outing.
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What makes him even more valuable is his ability to turn the ball both ways, unlike finger spinners who often rely on the pitch for assistance.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability still unclear and Shardul Thakur’s place under question, Kuldeep could be the X-factor. If paired with Ravindra Jadeja, India would have a left-arm finger and wrist-spin duo that could test England’s aggressive middle order.
What did Kuldeep say about his own mindset?
Known for his humble and focused approach, Kuldeep didn’t mince words about what matters most to him.
"I don’t know anything other than bowling. If you don’t take wickets, you can’t justify yourself for playing in England. If you don’t take wickets, I don’t think you deserve to play. But I know one thing, wherever one is playing, at home or in England. I have to get the revs on the ball and the drift and that will get me wickets,” said Yadav.