"Why Kuldeep Yadav Misses Out Despite Spin-Friendly Pitch: Bowling Coach Morkel Reveals the Real Reason"

Team India is under pressure in the Manchester Test as England piled up 544/7, taking a 186-run lead over India’s 358. The Indian bowlers looked ineffective, with spinners claiming 4 of the 7 wickets. This raised a big question: Why wasn’t Kuldeep Yadav, India’s in-form spinner, part of the playing XI—especially on a turning pitch? Bowling coach Morne Morkel has now explained the selection dilemma.

Kuldeep Yet to Get a Game

Though Kuldeep Yadav is part of the squad for the England series, he hasn't played a single Test match. The Manchester pitch has shown signs of turn, and Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar picked up 4 wickets on Day 3. Naturally, fans and experts alike are questioning the non-inclusion of Kuldeep, especially when conditions suit him.

Morkel Breaks His Silence

After the day’s play, bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the issue in a press conference. He said:

“When you talk about including Kuldeep Yadav, you also have to think about how we can strengthen our batting. That’s where the challenge lies. Kuldeep is a quality bowler, no doubt, and we’re keen to find ways to include him. But maintaining the balance with the batting lineup is tricky.”

Batting Depth Is a Priority

Morkel further justified the team’s decision to go with an extra all-rounder instead of a specialist spinner:

“Scoring runs against England is crucial, so we’re prioritizing batting depth. If our top 6 start scoring consistently, only then can we think about including a pure spinner like Kuldeep.”

He also admitted that the pitch was dry and spinning, and Kuldeep’s inclusion could have helped:

“Yes, the pitch is offering spin. Sundar and Jadeja proved that. Had Kuldeep played, we might’ve picked a few more wickets.”

Kuldeep’s England Record

Kuldeep last played a Test in England in 2018, and fans have been eager to see him return to red-ball action in these conditions. However, unless the team’s top-order stabilizes, the wait for his comeback in Tests might continue.