‘It’s tough’: Kuldeep Yadav explains the challenges of transitioning from IPL to red-ball cricket

Kuldeep Yadav (Photo by @BCCI on X) NEW DELHI: India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says his focus is firmly on Test cricket as he prepares to spearhead the team’s spin attack in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Despite a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where he took just 10 wickets and the team missed the playoffs, the early exit gave him valuable time to retool and focus on the longer format. The left-arm wrist spinner, who has taken 76 wickets in 17 Tests, believes his primary responsibility is to bring breakthroughs to the team. “As an attacking player, I want to get breakthroughs for the team regularly and that is my only mindset. I am fully focused on playing red-ball cricket,” the spinner told JioHotstar’s “Follow the Blues” section.Kuldeep admitted that the transition from T20 cricket to the demands of Test matches is never easy. He used the extra time after the IPL to specifically prepare for red-ball cricket and get used to the various challenges it brings.“It’s tough when you switch from IPL cricket to red-ball cricket. Preparation becomes very necessary. Fortunately, I have time. I practiced for at least 10 to 15 days and got the feel of the red ball,” he added.Explaining that patience and consistency are much more important in Test cricket than in T20s, he said: “Bowling in Test cricket is different. In T20, you are always attacking. You are always thinking about going after the bat. But in Test cricket, the batsman has a lot of time.”Kuldeep also emphasized the importance of a strong spin attack, especially with major Test assignments against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand coming up, adding: “I believe if you have a quality spin attack in your team, you can take the game in any situation.”With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested, Kuldeep will have the added responsibility in the Afghanistan Test. However, he is confident that youngsters Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar are up for the challenge.“The preparations for the Test match in Afghanistan have been going well. We have had two clean sessions so far. Yes, Jaddu bhai is not there. He is a regular in the Tests. We will also miss Axar Patel. But the preparations have been good,” he revealed. Kuldeep praised the young spinners for their domestic experience and exposure to the red ball. He added: “They may lack international experience, but in terms of preparation and awareness of the match, in terms of red-ball cricket, they are absolutely on top because they have played regularly.” They believe their recent participation in the India A tour and domestic tournaments has prepared them well for the international stage.