Will Kuldeep Yadav Play 2nd Test? Gautam Gambhir Breaks Silence on Selection Rumours

Captain Shubman Gill didn't use Kuldeep Yadav much in the first Test against Sri Lanka, sparking a lot of talk. Now, there are rumours he might be dropped for the second Test. Coach Gautam Gambhir has finally broken his silence on the matter.

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Shubman Gill under fire for under-bowling Kuldeep Yadav

Many are questioning Captain Shubman Gill's decision to not give spinner Kuldeep Yadav a long spell in the first Test against Sri Lanka. The match was in Galle, on a pitch that was great for spinners. While Manav Suthar grabbed 10 wickets and veteran Ravindra Jadeja took some crucial ones, Kuldeep managed to get only one wicket.

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Criticism mounts on Captain Shubman Gill

Suthar and Jadeja together bowled for about 44 overs, but Kuldeep got to bowl only 25 overs in the entire match. India won the Test by a massive 165 runs, but the big question remains: why did Captain Gill show so much trust in Manav Suthar, who was just playing his second Test, but not in Kuldeep Yadav, who has been a match-winner for India for years?

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Shubman Gill made a mistake, says Kaif

Former player Mohammad Kaif spoke about this, saying, 'Looking at how Kuldeep Yadav was used, it's clear Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in him.' Kaif believes a unique bowler like Kuldeep is rare, a one-of-a-kind talent. He explained that while you might find another spinner like Suthar to replace Jadeja, or a Washington Sundar for Ashwin, Kuldeep is a special gift. Kaif also pointed out, 'When you give a wrist-spinner a chance, you must give him a long spell. Short spells don't help Kuldeep. He needs time to find his rhythm and fix mistakes. Shubman Gill just didn't back him up.'

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Kuldeep Yadav to be dropped for 2nd Test?

With the second Test starting in Colombo on August 23, rumours are flying that Kuldeep Yadav might be dropped. But head coach Gautam Gambhir has set the record straight. Gambhir said, 'We know very well how talented Kuldeep is. I've told him that if a wrist-spinner gets too anxious for wickets, he loses control. He should aim for wickets, but not get tense about it.' He added, 'We have great faith in Kuldeep and we know how successful he can be. But, at the end of the day, we will pick the best bowling combination for the given conditions.'