Kuldeep Yadav on England Test snub: clear message from Gambhir, clear focus on wickets

Kuldeep Yadav has opened up about not playing any of the five Tests in England earlier this year. He said the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, gave him clear communication. The call was about team balance and batting depth, not about his bowling skills. He added that his job is simple: take wickets as a specialist bowler, and everything else follows.

What Kuldeep said, in simple words

Kuldeep said he will always see himself as a frontline bowler. If he does not take wickets, he does not deserve a place. That is how he thinks about his role. He did not blame anyone for missing the England Tests. He said sometimes he felt he could have played, but the team went with a different combination. The message from Gambhir was straight: the choice was about batting depth and the balance the team wanted, not about any lack of skill.

How he used the bench time

Kuldeep said time on the bench taught him a lot. He worked on fitness, added volume to his bowling, and picked up small skills. Watching games closely helped him understand situations better. He believes it is easy to complain, but harder—and better—to accept, improve, and be ready for the next chance. He also played a long Duleep Trophy spell to find rhythm again.

Form that answered the noise

Once back on the field in the Asia Cup, Kuldeep made an immediate impact. He won consecutive Player of the Match awards, including a key spell against Pakistan. Even then, he said he can bowl better. He spoke about reading batters more clearly and tightening the little mistakes that slip by when a team is winning.

Bowling first, batting second

Kuldeep said he is not worried about trying to become a batting allrounder. He does bat in practice when there is time, but his priority remains bowling. He believes improving his main skill is the honest way to serve the team. Batting work will continue, but never at the cost of his core job.

Learning from other sports

Kuldeep loves football and follows Barcelona closely. He said watching world-class footballers sit on the bench reminds him that even great players can miss game time when the team is stacked. That perspective helps him stay calm and ready. He also runs a YouTube channel where he analyses big football games when he finds time, which keeps his mind sharp on tactics and decision-making.

The takeaway

• Communication was clear: the England selection was about balance and batting depth.

• Mindset was clear: keep working, keep learning, be ready.

• Role is clear: be a wicket-taking bowler first, everything else later.

Kuldeep’s words show focus and maturity. He kept his energy on training and improvement, and when the chance came, he delivered. For India, a Kuldeep in this mindset—and rhythm—remains a match-winner across formats.