Mohammad Kaif worried about Kuldeep Yadav's place in second Test

India won the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle by 165 runs, with young spinner Manav Suthar taking 10 wickets and playing a key role in the victory. The second Test is scheduled for August 23-27, 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India's squad includes multiple spin options, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain, with Jain providing an off-spin option after Washington Sundar was ruled unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns about Kuldeep Yadav's place in India's playing XI for the second Test. Kaif observed that Kuldeep received short spells during the first Test and noted the absence of an off-spinner was felt when left-handers batted.

"I am worried about one player - Kuldeep Yadav. He might not play the next match. That's also possible. Whenever he was given bowling, he was given short spells. He didn't get long spells. Saransh Jain is an off-spinner. Why did Padikkal come to bowl? It was because the lack of an off-spinner was seen in the middle," said Kaif on Sony Sports.

Kaif's assessment centres on the tactical balance India requires in Colombo. With Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja performing well in Galle, he believes the team may prioritise an off-spinner to counter left-handed batter on what could be a turning pitch.

"When the two left-handers were batting, they were searching for an off-spinner. If they get a turning track and a slow pitch, considering that the absence of an off-spinner was felt and the way Kuldeep was used, I feel that decision might have to be taken. I feel Kuldeep Yadav might not get a chance in the XI. Saransh Jain might get an entry in Colombo," Kaif said.

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane countered Kaif's assessment, advocating for continued backing of Kuldeep Yadav. Rahane emphasised the quality of the left-arm spinner and the importance of maintaining his confidence during a critical phase of his career, particularly given his recent return to the team.

"If the wicket is like this, I want Team India to back Kuldeep Yadav because he is a high-quality bowler. He is a match-winner and a wicket-taker. He will have to be played here because he has come into the team after a long time. So he will have to be given a chance again," Rahane said.

"How do you build a player's confidence? Replacing someone is very easy. When there are three spinners, one guy will bowl fewer overs. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled very well here, but if the conditions are the same, I feel Team India should back Kuldeep Yadav and increase his confidence," he added.