Team India’s leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav had a recent lighthearted moment at a press conference, where he revealed that he had moved into Rohit Sharma’s regular position on the team bus not new captain Shubman Gill. Rohit, the captain of India in the last two World Test Championship campaigns, retired ahead of the beginning of the next campaign. While Shubman has formally joined the captaincy position, it’s Kuldeep who’s staked Rohit’s old position on the bus to be near veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
“Uspe main baithta hu (I sit there),” Kuldeep said in the press conference.
But Kuldeep was quick to clarify that taking Rohit’s place in the bus is one thing, but filling his shoes as a player or a leader is a completely different matter altogether. He said his move was more a matter of sitting next to Jadeja, especially after the experienced spinner has to bear a bigger burden in the absence of R. Ashwin. Having played 12 Tests in England, Jadeja’s seniors’ advisory will be important, especially as India’s sole frontline spinner in the team, Kuldeep has bowled just nine overs in one Test appearance in English conditions.
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“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 said.
With the retirements of veterans such as Kohli and Rohit, entering a new era as a team, the onus now rests with the next generation to step up to the task. Coping with the unpredictable English weather and the movement-friendly surfaces will be a major test for the batters. Shubman Gill’s performance will also come under the scanner as he comes under increasing pressure to fire with the bat, particularly considering his dismal record outside India.
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“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,” he added.
