Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is confident of making valuable contributions with the bat whenever the opportunity arises during the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, beginning on 20 June in Leeds.
In recent years, the role of lower-order batters in Test cricket has evolved — they are no longer expected merely to hang around at the crease but are increasingly required to contribute valuable runs. Especially when touring overseas, the responsibility to step up becomes a collective one for the batting unit.
Speaking to RevSportz recently, when Kuldeep was asked whether he would focus on his batting as well, he replied:
“I have confidence in my defence and technique with the red ball, and I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time at the wicket and adding whatever runs I can to the scoreboard. There’s plenty of time in Test cricket, so I would hope to at least stay there and not lose my wicket. I had a good stint in the last series against England, so I’m keeping my preparation in place. If I have to bat, then I should be able to handle the pressure of the first couple of overs and stick around after that as well.”
Kuldeep has played a total of 13 Test matches, featuring in 17 innings in which he has scored 199 runs at an average of 13.26. His highest Test score is 40. Against England, the southpaw has played six Tests and scored 100 runs, with a best of 30. However, in the only Test he has played in England, he failed to open his account.
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