Sairaj Bahutule Supports Kuldeep Yadav Ahead of Second Test Against Sri Lanka

As India gears up for the second Test against Sri Lanka, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has shown strong support for Kuldeep Yadav, praising his adaptability during the first Test. He also highlighted the promising development of young spinner Manav Suthar, who has gained valuable experience in domestic cricket. The article delves into their performances and strategies as the team aims for another victory.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 21, 2026, 16:12 IST

Bahutule Supports Kuldeep Yadav

Sairaj Bahutule, the spin bowling coach for India, has expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav's performance as the team prepares for the second Test against Sri Lanka. He noted that Kuldeep bowled exceptionally well in Galle, despite needing to adjust to the match's demands. "He has been performing admirably. The circumstances in Galle required him to take on a different role, which he adapted to as best as he could," Bahutule stated during the pre-match press briefing.

In Galle, Kuldeep adopted a flatter bowling trajectory, a shift from his typical style of delivering the ball with more air. Bahutule explained that this adjustment was necessary due to the conditions and the varying demands throughout the game. "We had to monitor how the trajectory and speeds functioned in each session. As the match progressed, he made efforts to adapt his bowling to meet those changing requirements," he added.

Bahutule emphasized that Kuldeep was leveraging his strengths as a wrist-spinner, even as the pitch slowed down over the course of the Test. "He was fulfilling his role effectively. Every bowler has unique strengths, and he was bowling in his usual manner, even as the pitch conditions changed," he remarked.

Praise for Young Spinner Manav Suthar

The coach also commended young spinner Manav Suthar, highlighting his solid grasp of bowling developed through domestic cricket experience. "He has put in significant effort in domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy, which has prepared him well for international cricket. He understands his bowling capabilities thoroughly," Bahutule noted.

He mentioned that the focus with Suthar is on helping him adapt to various conditions, pitches, and batting styles without complicating his technique. "Our goal is to enhance his awareness of bowling in diverse conditions and against different batters, determining the most effective strategies and ideal field placements at any given moment," he explained.

Bahutule praised Suthar's precision and consistency in maintaining the desired lengths, stating that he is progressively improving at the international level. "He is very accurate; his trajectories are continually improving, and he consistently delivers the lengths we require," he added.

"We aim to keep things straightforward and focus on his strengths," Bahutule concluded.

Recap of the First Test

In the first Test, India secured a victory over Sri Lanka by 165 runs, with Manav Suthar achieving his first 10-wicket haul and Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 runs in the first innings, both contributing significantly to the win.