Kuldeep Yadav, the wily chinaman bowler, has emerged as an unlikely batting hero for India in the ongoing Test series against England. Despite being primarily known for his spin prowess, Yadav has made significant contributions with the bat, bolstering India’s lower order and frustrating English bowlers.
In the first innings of the fifth and final Test, Yadav’s 30 off 69 balls proved crucial. His lengthy stay at the crease allowed India to extend their lead to 259 runs, putting England on the back foot. Yadav’s 49-run partnership with Jasprit Bumrah (20) further solidified India’s position.
Throughout the series, Yadav has faced 362 balls, more than several established English batters. His ability to occupy the crease and contribute valuable runs has been a major factor in India’s dominance. Yadav’s 97 runs at an average of 19.4 may not be eye-catching, but their impact has been undeniable.
Yadav’s batting prowess has been particularly evident in crucial situations. In the third Test, his 27 runs allowed Shubman Gill to play freely and score 91, setting the stage for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double century. In the fourth Test, Yadav’s 28 runs and 76-run stand with Dhruv Jurel helped India recover from a precarious position.
With his contributions with both bat and ball (18 wickets), Yadav has emerged as a strong contender for the Player of the Series award. His ability to provide runs and wickets makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team, especially with senior spin-bowling all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja nearing the end of their careers.
