Kuldeep Yadav Was Caught Off Guard by Rohit, Kohli’s Test Exit

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has weighed in on the significance of losing two senior players ahead of the England tour. India is set to face England for the five-match Test series this month.

Kuldeep Yadav thrived under the supportive leadership who helped shape his game. With three big players – Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, leaving the format, he now finds himself as one of the senior players of the Indian team. He is part of the 18-member squad for the England tour.

‘You want your senior players…’

Speaking to the Indian Express panel, Kuldeep revealed that he was surprised by Rohit and Kohli’s retirement announcement.
“I had an inkling that Ash bhai might retire due to his body. I was shocked when Rohit bhai and Virat bhai retired. You want your senior players to stay for big series such as this,” explained the 30-year-old. “The responsibility is taken by the seniors and the youngsters feel free. That’s how I used to feel. I’d approach them in case of any doubts.”

Kuldeep Reflects on Rohit and Virat’s Support

Kuldeep also talked about his bond with Rohit, mentioning how he helped him during tough times. “I had a great understanding and bond with Rohit bhai. He used to look after me like an elder brother, even off the field.”

“When bowling, he used to tell me clearly what he expected from me and whether I was delivering it or not. If he found that I was lagging somewhere, he used to tell me to put more effort on that aspect. He would clearly tell me the role he expected from me, and sometimes he used to scold me as well — little things that always lifted me in bad times and took great care of me,” explained Kuldeep, who found a career resurgence once Sharma came in as captain.

However, it was Virat under whom Kuldeep made his breakthrough in cricket. He also expressed his gratitude for Kohli’s mentorship during his early years, both as a cricketer and as an individual.

“I made my Test debut under Virat Kohli. He did not play the match (in 2017) but he handed me the cap,” said Kuldeep. “At that time, I was raw and not mature, but he handled me wonderfully, gave me the belief that I could be good in this format. He always supported me and I always enjoyed playing with him.”

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