Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Kaif Questions Gill’s Faith in Kuldeep After Galle Test
Mohammad Kaif thinks captain Shubman Gill did not use Kuldeep Yadav enough in India’s first Test against Sri Lanka.
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs in the whole match.
Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja each bowled about 44 overs.
Kuldeep took one wicket in the match.
Kaif says wrist-spinners need longer spells to find their rhythm.
He also says Kuldeep is a special bowler who can be very useful on overseas pitches with little turn.
India won the Test by 165 runs.
For the next Test in Colombo, Kaif thinks Saransh Jain might play instead of Kuldeep.
He believes Jain’s off-spin could help against Sri Lanka’s left-handed batters.
Mohammad Kaif criticized Shubman Gill for giving Kuldeep Yadav only 25 overs across the Galle Test.
Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja each bowled about 44 overs, while Kuldeep took one wicket.
Kaif said wrist-spinners need longer spells to find rhythm and correct mistakes.
Kaif called Kuldeep a unique bowler and India’s leading spinner for overseas conditions.
Kaif suggested Saransh Jain could debut in Colombo because Sri Lanka’s in-form batters are left-handed.
- Who
- Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized India captain Shubman Gill over his use of spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
- What
- Kaif said Kuldeep was not given enough overs and suggested Saransh Jain could be considered for the second Test.
- When
- The comments were reported on August 22, after the first Test and before the second Test.
- Where
- The first Test was played in Galle, Sri Lanka, and the second is scheduled for Colombo.
- Why
- Kaif said longer spells would help Kuldeep find rhythm and confidence, while Sri Lanka’s left-handed batters could influence India’s selection.
Kaif’s criticism
Selection considerations
Kuldeep’s limited overs
Kaif’s criticism
Kaif said Gill’s use of Kuldeep suggested insufficient faith in the wrist-spinner and argued that he should receive longer spells.
Selection considerations
Kaif’s selection argument suggests India may consider Saransh Jain because Sri Lanka’s in-form left-handed batters could make an off-spinner useful.
Kuldeep’s role in Colombo
Kaif’s criticism
Kaif called Kuldeep a unique bowler and agreed that he is India’s number one spinner in overseas conditions, especially on flatter pitches with limited turn.
Selection considerations
Kaif also said Kuldeep could face the axe in Colombo, making the potential choice one between Kuldeep and Saransh.
- First Test result
- India won against Sri Lanka by 165 runs.
- Kuldeep’s workload
- He bowled 25 overs across both innings and took one wicket.
- Other spinners’ workload
- Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja each bowled about 44 overs.
- Kuldeep’s Test record
- He has taken 80 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 23.36.
- Kuldeep’s 2025 record
- He has played two Tests this year, taking four wickets at an average of more than 41.
- Possible second-Test change
- Kaif suggested Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain could receive a debut in Colombo.
- Batters cited by Kaif
- Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha were identified as left-handed Sri Lankan batters who scored runs at Galle.
