Kuldeep Yadav targets comeback in Sri Lanka Test series

India's left‑arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only 18 of the team's 88 Tests since his debut in 2017, could use the two‑Test series in Sri Lanka starting on August 15 to re‑establish himself in the side. Childhood coach Kapil Pandey said the spin‑friendly tracks expected in Sri Lanka present a "golden opportunity" for Kuldeep, the only specialist spinner in the squad, to prove he is the country's best overseas spinner.

India have remained unbeaten in bilateral Test series in Sri Lanka since a 1‑2 loss in 2008, winning two of the three recent tours. Spinners have traditionally dominated these encounters, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the wicket‑taking in the last two series. Kuldeep hopes to add his name to that legacy as India seek to counter Sri Lanka's spin‑friendly conditions and address recent batting struggles against spin.

The series follows a period where Kuldeep featured in just four of India's ten Tests last year and five of fifteen the year before, highlighting his limited opportunities despite early praise from former coach Ravi Shastri.