In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Pandey expressed confidence in Kuldeep\u2019s form and fitness, stating that the spinner is ready to make an impact if given the opportunity. With India trailing 1-2 in the series following a loss at Lord\u2019s, a dramatic win at Edgbaston, and a defeat at Headingley, the pressure is mounting on the visitors to field a more well-rounded bowling attack \u2014 and Pandey feels Kuldeep could provide just that.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKuldeep not playing doesn't seem to hold much value in the current context, because Team India has been playing well. In the third Test, many expected him to feature, but the fast bowlers did the job and picked up wickets,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Pandey also pointed out that Kuldeep is currently in arguably the best form of his career. \u201cKuldeep Yadav is in top form right now. He was lethal during the ODI World Cup and bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament. Not playing him at the right moments has cost India heavily. In the recent matches, it\u2019s the batters who have failed, not the bowlers.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stressing the importance of role clarity and team management\u2019s responsibility, Pandey also addressed the unrealistic expectations sometimes placed on bowlers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t expect someone like Kuldeep or even Bumrah to score 100 runs \u2014 that would be unrealistic.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having played just 13 Tests since his debut in March 2017, despite performing consistently when picked, Kuldeep\u2019s Test career has been sporadic. But his coach believes the 29-year-old is staying prepared and focused.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Old Trafford, the venue for the fourth Test starting July 23, has traditionally aided spinners, especially as the match progresses. With India struggling to bowl England out in key moments, Kuldeep\u2019s inclusion could offer much-needed variety and control in the middle overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on India\u2019s team composition so far in the series, Pandey remarked that while the fast bowlers have performed admirably, not utilising Kuldeep\u2019s skills has been a missed opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spoken to Kuldeep recently, and I told him to stay fit and be ready to deliver whenever given a chance. All we can do is hope \u2014 the final decision lies with the coach and the captain. But there\u2019s no doubt that Kuldeep is currently one of the finest and most senior spinners in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on India\u2019s team composition so far in the series, Pandey remarked that while the fast bowlers have performed admirably, not utilising Kuldeep\u2019s skills has been a missed opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As India look to bounce back in the fourth Test, the call to include Kuldeep is growing louder \u2014 and perhaps Manchester will finally bring his long-awaited return to the red-ball format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n