India Vs Sri Lanka: Kuldeep Yadav optimistic about playing in Ravindra Jadeja's absence

Colombo, Aug 10: Young India chinaman Kuldeep Yadav made his Test debut against Australia at Dharamsala in March and did exceedingly well in the must-win game.

India-Sri Lanka series schedule

But he has been made to wait for his turn since that game for India are going with their strategy of playing two spinners. And that slot is currently occupied by World No. 1 and No. 3 Test bowlers i.e. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin respectively.

Since Jadeja is facing one Test match suspension due to the breach of ICC Code of Conduct and accumulating six demerit points, there is an opportunity for the Kanpur-based spinner to make a comeback into the side once again.

Kuldeep has been a part of the 15-member squad from the beginning of the tour and has been patiently waiting for his turn.

The 22-year-old said that he will be very happy to play in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, which is a dead rubber for the visitors have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

The chinaman has added that he is nervous as he wants to perform well.

"Obviously there is excitement. I was excited to play my debut Test as well. So if I get a chance to play in Sri Lanka I will be very happy because this will be a result of my hard work. While I am excited, I am also nervous because I want to perform," said Kuldeep.

However, it's still not clear whether Kuldeep would be able to make it to the playing XI in the third Test, starting Saturday (August 12).

"It is still not clear (if I will play) because there are three days left for practice. But ever since I have come here, (Ravi) Shastri sir keeps on motivating me. I have been doing nets and he has been talking to me during the nets from even before the first Test. It is a good experience," he added.

Kuldeep played in all five ODIs and the T20I against the West Indies and seemed to have impressed skipper Virat Kohli and former skipper MS Dhoni.

"Ahead of the ODI debut, I wasn't as nervous. There was pressure in ODIs as well because the batsmen are attacking you. It took me three overs to settle down on my ODI debut before I figured out how to adjust my lengths as the wickets were very slow in the West Indies," he said about his experience in the Caribbean.

"I also talked to Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and Virat (Kohli) bhai and it became easier for me to perform in every match. It helps if the captain believes in you as half your work is done. Captain's belief is very important and Virat bhai supports me a lot," he added further.

Another left-arm spinner Axar Patel has been called in as a replacement for Jadeja. Thus, many feel that Patel too could be a contender for a spot in the playing XI.

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