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Colombo: Amid questions being raised about Kuldeep Yadav's recent performance, Indian team's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has strongly defended him. He clearly said that Kuldeep is an important part of the team management's strategy and his ability cannot be assessed on the basis of performance in any one match.

In the first Test, Kuldeep bowled 25 overs including both the innings, but got only one wicket in his account. In contrast, young left arm spinner Manav Suthar and experienced Ravindra Jadeja together took 14 wickets. After this, the discussion about Kuldeep's role and performance intensified.

Bahutule said that Kuldeep was bowling brilliantly and in Galle he had to play a different role as per the conditions. He said that Kuldeep has been a match-winning bowler for a long time and he is included in the team's plans.

Soft ball increased the difficulty for Kuldeep

According to the spin bowling coach, the conditions of the ball and the softness of the Kookaburra ball had an impact on Kuldeep's bowling. After the ball lost its initial shine, its seam became compressed, making it difficult for wrist spinners to turn the ball in the desired direction and obtain adequate bounce.

Bahutule said that all spinners face problems with the soft ball, but left-arm spinners and off-spinners control the ball with the help of fingers. For a leg spinner, the same task is relatively more challenging, because the seam of the soft ball gets pressed down.

He reiterated that less number of wickets in a match cannot be a measure of a bowler's true ability. Kuldeep also tried to change his role according to the circumstances.

Bahutule is impressed by the performance of human betterment

Young spinner Manav Suthar, who performed brilliantly by taking 10 wickets in the first Test, has impressed the team management. Bahutule believes that Suthar's experience of bowling continuously in domestic cricket is very useful.

He said that Suthar is gradually becoming a reliable player for the team. He has a good understanding of bowling in different conditions and the team management is also preparing him on different pitches and strategies against left- and right-handed batsmen.

According to Bahutule, Suthar turns the ball well and consistently bowls on the line that the team requires. Continuous improvement is also being seen in his bowling.

Kuldeep vs Suthar: Good news for the team

This match between Kuldeep's experience and Suthar's current form is both a challenge and good news for the Indian spin department. On one hand, the team has an experienced wrist spinner who has the ability to change the course of the match, while on the other hand, young bowlers like Manav Suthar are rapidly strengthening their place.