London: India's left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav on Monday said he feels "lucky" to partner Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, acknowledging the transition in India's spin attack and the evolving responsibility he now shoulders.
"I've learned a lot from Ash bhai over the years, and of course, I miss him. But I'm lucky that Jaddu bhai is in the team. We started playing together, and now I really enjoy building that spin attack with him," Kuldeep told reporters, underlining the significance of the Kuldeep-Jadeja partnership in India's overseas campaign.
Speaking on the sidelines of a practice match, Kuldeep assessed the pitch conditions and said the surface was showing signs of assisting spinners as the match progressed. "The wickets look good for spinners. The practice match wicket had a bit of moisture on the first day, so seamers got some help. But as the game moved on, there was some bounce and slight turn," he said.
He added that while there wasn's much turn during his initial spell, conditions on Day 3 could be more revealing. "Today is Day 3. If I get to bowl today, I’ll understand the wicket better. So far in the practice sessions, there’s been a little turn, and I hope it stays the same in the match as well — that would be great," he remarked.
Kuldeep, who has evolved into one of India’s most consistent overseas spinners, emphasised that mindset plays a crucial role for a spinner away from home. "There’s always excitement when you play abroad. Mindset is very important — mine is always attacking. That’s the mindset I carry onto the field," he explained.
Commenting on the sunny weather over the past few days, the 29-year-old said, "If the conditions remain the same, with the sun out like we’ve seen over the last 3–4 days, spinners will definitely get some assistance. I don’t worry too much about conditions, but yes, if the wicket helps a bit, it’s enjoyable to bowl."
Clarifying his increased time spent with Jadeja in nets and team discussions, Kuldeep added with a smile, "It’s not that I’m trying to take Rohit bhai’s place or anything like that — I’ve just been spending more time with Jaddu bhai, especially with Ash bhai not around. It’s important for me as a spinner to build that understanding."
The spinner's comments reflect both a sense of continuity and readiness — a natural progression in India’s spin legacy, as Kuldeep steps into a more central role alongside Jadeja in the post-Ashwin setup.
