Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has spoken about left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion for the upcoming matches in the Asia Cup 2025. Morkel stated that Kuldeep has been working hard in preparation for the tournament and is fully aware of what he needs to do in T20 and white-ball cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav did not feature in any of the five Tests in England. He has been named in the T20I squad for the Asia Cup, but his spot in the playing XI remains uncertain. Kuldeep will compete for a place in the team with Varun Chakaravarthy, who was instrumental in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory in the UAE.
Kuldeep Yadav Has Not Played International Cricket Since the Champions Trophy
Kuldeep Yadav has not played international cricket since the Champions Trophy. He took 15 wickets in 14 matches with an economy of 7.08 during IPL 2025. The wrist-spinner last played a T20I in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India secured a seven-run victory over South Africa.
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Kuldeep also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year. He has taken 69 wickets in 40 T20Is at an average of 14.07 and an economy of 6.77. The spinner has been named in India’s Asia Cup squad, but his inclusion in the playing XI remains uncertain.
India will begin their campaign against the hosts UAE, on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The selectors have chosen two specialist spinners alongside Axar Patel. Kuldeep’s return to the playing XI may be delayed due to the team combination.
Kuldeep Yadav Is a Very Professional Athlete – Morne Morkel
During India’s practice session at the ICC Academy, Morne Morkel lauded Kuldeep Yadav for his professionalism and dedication. Morkel stated that Kuldeep has been working despite not getting a chance during the England tour.
“I think he’s a very professional athlete. His attitude since England, where he received hardly any game time, he’s still the guy who put the overs in. For me, Kuldeep has bowled a lot of overs in his career. He knows what to do to get himself ready for T20 and white-ball cricket,” Morkel said.
We Can Control Only What We Can Control Now – Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel emphasized that the team can only focus on what is within their control during training. He stated that it is up to the players to execute and make an impact when they take the field.
“Like I said, we can control only what we can control now, and that is when we do train now and when we have our sessions, that it’s focused, there’s a purpose behind i,t and we have goals. We set those goals out and from there it’s up to them to go out and lead with the ball,” Morkel added.
Ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE, India’s first training session at the Dubai International Stadium revealed a pitch showing a greenish tinge. The conditions appear to favor seamers more than spinners, unlike slower, turning surfaces.
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