Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed out that Gautam Gambhir’s approach as coach places greater value on bowlers who can contribute with the bat, a factor he feels has impacted Kuldeep Yadav’s opportunities. “One thing stands out in Gautam’s coaching, he values bowlers who can bat. Sundar, Shardul, and Jadeja have seen more responsibility. Sometimes you feel that Kuldeep Yadav is getting left out because of that, but I am sure he would have a role when they play at home,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. He added that senior all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja have been entrusted with significant responsibility in recent series, further underlining Gambhir’s strategy.

Kuldeep, India’s lone specialist spinner in the squad for the England Test series, did not feature in any of the five matches during the series in England. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who has only one Test appearance in the country so far, was expected to play a bigger role given his improved red-ball form. Despite strong backing from several experts, he was one of three players, alongside Arshdeep Singh and Abhimanyu Easwaran, who did not get a game. The 29-year-old is part of India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup beginning September 9, where he could get another chance to make his mark. Off the field, Kuldeep recently shared a picture with his fiancée Vanshika on Instagram. The couple, who got engaged on June 4 in Lucknow in the presence of close family and friends, are likely to marry later this year.

For now, as Chopra suggested, Kuldeep may need to wait for home conditions to play a larger role in Gambhir’s plans.