India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule firmly rejected concerns regarding Kuldeep Yadav’s recent form leading into the second Test against Sri Lanka, clarifying that the wrist spinner’s struggles in Galle stemmed from tactical adjustments rather than any decline in rhythm. Speaking to reporters during the pre match media interaction, Bahutule explained that changing match conditions dictated a shift in strategy, requiring Kuldeep to adopt a containment role and alter his plans dynamically.
Tactical Shifts And Trajectory Adjustments A major point of discussion surrounding the bowler involved his noticeably flatter trajectory, which marked a departure from his usual flight and loop. Bahutule noted that this modification was a deliberate reaction to the deteriorating pitch conditions across the duration of the match. As the surface slowed down significantly, varying speeds and release heights became vital to remain competitive, and the support staff felt encouraged by the active experimentation Kuldeep showed on the field. “So, I don’t think one game decides on the way he is performing and the way he is approaching. So, that’s all he had to adapt to and he tried his best to adapt to that role,” he explained. The coach lauded Suthar’s reliability, highlighting his command over trajectory, clean seam presentation, and natural revolutions on the cricket ball, which render him a trustworthy option capable of hitting desired lengths consistently.
The premier spinner managed to capture only one wicket across the series opener, which subsequently sparked rumors regarding a potential international debut for Saransh Jain during the upcoming Colombo encounter on August 23, 2026. That precision yielded phenomenal results during the series opener, where Suthar recorded a brilliant maiden ten wicket match haul to support Devdutt Padikkal’s stellar first innings score of 167, securing a comprehensive 165 run victory for India.
Defending the player’s overall contributions, the coach insisted that Kuldeep remained faithful to his fundamental identity as a wrist spinner despite demanding circumstances. Even as the pitch offered progressively less turn and pace, Kuldeep executed his assigned responsibilities diligently, leaving team management fully confident in his capabilities moving forward. ‘He was playing his role. Each bowler has his own strengths. He was operating as a wrist spinner in a way, where obviously the wicket got slower and slower each day. “The revs are good and he is somebody who is like a banker for us.
But I’m sure he was bowling the way he normally bowls,’ Bahutule said at the pre match press conference. You know, consistently being in the lines which we want him to be and that’s how he is also evolving,” said Bahutule.
