Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner for India, has disclosed that he is taking the seat on the team bus that was unoccupied after Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket. The 30-year-old clarified that he can never replace Rohit in the team, adding that he is taking advantage of the chance to sit next to spin partner Ravindra Jadeja and absorb as much knowledge as he can from the seasoned player.
Recently, a video was circulated in social media a few days ago where Jadeja was seen sitting in the team bus and the seat next to his which previously was filled by Rohit remained empty. Jadeja and Rohit had been called travel partners many times.
During a press conference on Sunday, June 15, Kuldeep confirmed that he is now filling the seat that Rohit left empty after retiring from Test cricket. He stated:
“Uspe main baithta hu (I sit there).”
The wrist spinner went on to describe his reasoning for selecting that specific seat:
“I can never take Rohit bhai’s place. It’s just that I am spending more time with Jaddu bhai. It’s important as a spinner for me because Ash bhai is not there. I have learnt a lot from him. When I started my cricket, I have played with both of them. Very lucky to have Jadeja as my spin partner. I am enjoying it.”
Kuldeep Yadav
The 30-year-old acknowledged that during the England series, India will be without Rohit and Virat Kohli, who has also retired from Test cricket. However, he claimed that the team’s young players are eager to seize their chances. As Kuldeep put it:
“When the seniors go away, their absence is always felt. Virat bhai and Rohit bhai have done so much for the team. They will be missed, but it’s also an opportunity for youngsters to perform well. But yes, I am sure everybody would be missing the seniors. But the youngsters are excited for the challenge. Batsmen are working very hard in the nets and preparing really well.”
Kuldeep Yadav
Both Rohit and Kohli declared their retirement from Test cricket last month, following a disappointing tour of Australia. Gill was then selected as the England Tests captain.
“We have been having a lot of chat” – Kuldeep Yadav on interaction with Ravindra Jadeja
Kuldeep Yadav responded that he and Jadeja have been talking about field placement strategies and how to bowl at England’s batters when asked to describe their interactions. The cricketer from Uttar Pradesh stated:
“Playing alongside Jadeja is great and it’s an honor for me. We have been having a lot of chat about how to bowl at certain batters. I am spending a lot of time with him, which helps tactics wise. We have been talking about fielding placements and he has given some clues as well.”
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep has played 13 Tests and taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.16, including four five-fers.
