Kuldeep could be India’s key and deciding factor: Harbhajan
Going forward, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav will become India’s primary spin weapon, feels veteran bowlerturned-cricket commentator Harbhajan Singh.
“Kuldeep has shown glimpses of what he can do on a first-day wicket. He is slower in the air and gets the ball to turn both ways. Going forward, he should be India’s key and deciding factor. He will be the No 1 spinner in future,” Harbhajan said.
Kuldeep was the second-highest wicket-taker against the West Indies in the just-concluded twomatch series, picking up 10 wickets. Earlier, Kuldeep played just the second Test in England and was wicketless, bowling nine overs and leaking 44 runs. India lost by an innings and 159 runs.
Harbhajan, a lethal and celebrated off-spinner in his time who was part of India’s World Cupwinning team, did not want to read too much into that performance. “In England, the conditions were seaming and the day he bowled, it was the coldest day in summer. So, for a wrist spinner, it is very difficult. He could not do the things he wanted. He has time and again proved his credentials and the team depends a lot on him and will in the future,” Harbhajan said.
Asked about the two-Test series sweep against the West Indies, Harbhajan said the visitors were no side to beat at the moment, adding that this Indian team has in it to win the upcoming Test series Down Under. With Steve Smith and David Warner unavailable, this is their best chance.“The result shows that this was a one-sided affair. More than how well India played, the West Indies was not even competing,” said Harbhajan, who has 417 Test wickets in 103 matches.
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