Kuldeep Yadav has been in terrific form at the Asia Cup 2025, but just a few weeks ago, things were very different for the Indian spinner.
During the England Test tour, he did not get a single game. Now, after winning back-to-back Player of the Match awards, Kuldeep has opened up on why he missed out in that series.
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He revealed that it had nothing to do with his skill, but purely the team’s balance and conditions.
Why did Kuldeep Yadav not play a single Test in England?
Speaking before India’s last group match in the Asia Cup, Kuldeep shared that head coach Gautam Gambhir had been very honest with him during the England series.
He revealed that the decision was based on team composition and not on his bowling skills.
“Communication was clear. Sometimes I felt I could play, but unfortunately, due to batting depth or combinations, I didn’t get a place. Gautam Bhai (coach) was straightforward about it. It wasn’t about skill or batting but about team composition due to conditions,” said Kuldeep.
He also added that such phases teach players more than playing does. Watching from the sidelines helped him understand the game better, and instead of blaming others, he chose to work on his own game.
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"I enjoyed my time and learned a lot. When you don’t play, you learn more by observing and become a better player. It’s easy to blame others, but tough to accept and work on your weaknesses and improve," he added.
How did Kuldeep bounce back in the Asia Cup 2025?
Despite not featuring in England, Kuldeep came straight into the Asia Cup and showed why he is one of the best in the format right now.
Against UAE, he picked 4/7, and against Pakistan, he followed up with 3/18, winning Player of the Match in both games.
Kuldeep admitted that the transition was not easy, as rhythm is very important for a bowler. But he used the England tour to focus on his fitness and bowling workload.
According to him, the key was not to overthink but to stick to his strengths and bowl in the right areas. He is now the second-highest wicket-taker of the Asia Cup with seven wickets in just two matches.
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What does this mean for India going forward?
India’s back-to-back wins in the Asia Cup, thanks to Kuldeep’s brilliance, have booked their place in the Super 4 stage.
His form gives India a huge advantage in conditions where spin will continue to play a big role.
Missing out in England might have been tough, but the way Kuldeep has come back proves his maturity.
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