He is ready for Test cricket: Sachin Tendulkar backs Kuldeep Yadav

Mumbai, July 23: Sachin Tendulkar has backed Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's Test series against England, saying the left-arm wrist spinner could prove quite a handful against Joe Root and his men.

The 23-year-old Kuldeep spun a web around England's batsmen in the limited overs matches, taking nine wickets in the first two one-day internationals, including career-best figures of 6-25 in the opener.

Kuldeep dismantled England with his subtle changes of spin and flight during the recent Twenty20 series that India won 2-1, earning himself a spot in the squad for the first three Tests.

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"I have always maintained that he's ready for the longest version of the game and that will be the most challenging one," Tendulkar said. "I think he's ready."

Great to start the ODI series with a win. Was a special day, one that I will cherish always. Appreciate all the love and support. Thanks everyone ✌🏻#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/lf3ZeDIkLS

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) July 13, 2018

England's batsmen appeared completely at sea against Kuldeep's variation but they finally seemed to come to grips with him in the final ODI of the series which the hosts won 2-1. The spinner went for 0-55 in that match.

But Tendulkar, the world's leading run-scorer in both Tests and one-day internationals, said Kuldeep, who has played both his Tests in the subcontinent, can bounce back.

"Looking at his repertoire he has the capability to go there and compete, without any doubt," Tendulkar said.

The playing surfaces could determine the fate of the series if the pitches are conducive to spin, according to Tendulkar.

"It will depend on the kind of surfaces that we get to play on," he said. "The English summer is pretty warm this time. If there's a bit of help for our spinners then I am sure we will be in a position in the series to hurt them. That will be a critical factor."

New season. Fresh beginnings with exciting challenges ahead.☝🏻 pic.twitter.com/HyJUllTXeZ

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) June 11, 2018

Tendulkar was pleased with the balance of India's squad.

"We have bowlers who can bat and we have batters who can roll their arm over. The keeper's contribution also becomes important in batting and we have that," said the 45-year-old.

"Ashwin and Jadeja can also bat. We also have a seam-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya who can bat. That was one element missing, though Hardik's just started his career. But whatever I see on paper, we have good balance."

India have, however, been pegged back before the series by injuries to some of their regular players.

"One example that I was part of ... we had gone to play in Toronto against Pakistan and we were without (Javagal) Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and (Anil) Kumble, who were our three frontline bowlers," Tendulkar said. "And we beat Pakistan 4-1.

"If the players are not available, that doesn't mean the series is gone from us. We have a very good combination. Of course, it's always nice to have the full playing XI. It's nice to have all players available.

"But injuries happen and not having the full squad is also part and parcel of any sport. It's one of those challenges we have to face and it doesn't mean we won't be able to produce the results. We are in a position to produce the results," said Tendulkar.