Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL

The Transition from T20 to Test Cricket

The transition from the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the patient, tactical nature of Test cricket is one of the most difficult challenges for a modern cricketer. For India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, this shift is currently at the forefront of his preparations. Ahead of Afghanistan Test, Kuldeep gets a ‘feel of the red ball’ after underwhelming IPL, a period he has used constructively to rediscover his rhythm.

Reflecting on his recent form, Kuldeep acknowledged the difficulties of the 2026 IPL season, where he claimed ten wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38.10. While the Delhi Capitals missed out on the playoffs, the early exit provided the spinner with a vital 10 to 15-day window to focus exclusively on his red-ball craft. During a recent interaction, he emphasized how necessary this transition time is for any bowler moving between formats.

Adapting the Mindset

Kuldeep pointed out that the mental approach required for T20 cricket is fundamentally different from the patience demanded by Test matches. In the IPL, the primary objective is to attack the batter constantly. However, in the longest format, the game moves at a different tempo. He noted that in Test cricket, the batter has the luxury of time, which requires a bowler to be far more methodical and strategic in their approach.

“In T20, you are always attacking. You always think about going after the batter. You stay in the game with that mindset. But in Test cricket, it’s not like that,” Kuldeep explained. By spending time in the nets exclusively with the red ball, he has been able to adjust his lengths and pace, ensuring he is ready for the upcoming challenge in New Chandigarh.

Mentoring a New Spin Generation

The Indian spin department faces a period of transition as it prepares for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja rested, and Axar Patel unavailable for selection, the onus falls on a younger, less experienced group of spinners. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar remain the most experienced campaigners, both having played 17 Test matches each.

The squad features newcomers Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar, both earning maiden call-ups. Kuldeep believes in fostering an environment where these youngsters feel comfortable and supported. “Whenever a new player joins the team, your job is to make him comfortable. You want him to see you as a partner,” he remarked. He highlighted that despite their lack of international exposure, these players have gained significant experience through the India A program, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Trophy.

Tactical Conversations and Patience

As a senior member of the spin unit, Kuldeep is actively involved in guiding the younger bowlers through the nuances of Test match conditions. Their preparation sessions are focused on collective understanding—analyzing the pitch, evaluating weather conditions, and determining the appropriate lengths for different surfaces.

“We talk freely as a group, especially about the conditions,” Kuldeep said. The core of their training revolves around the virtue of patience. In a format where breakthroughs can sometimes take hours to materialize, maintaining a consistent line and length is paramount. By focusing on fundamental tactics and match awareness, the spin unit aims to overcome its relative lack of international experience to provide India with a strong advantage against Afghanistan.

As the team heads into the Test, the focus remains on execution. While the transition from T20 remains a significant hurdle, the extra preparation time and the collaborative spirit within the camp have given the squad confidence that they are well-prepared for the task ahead.