Kuldeep Yadav last played for India in July 2021. He bowled two overs, giving 16 runs. The left-arm chinaman, representing Kolkata Knight Riders, then twisted his knee during the UAE-leg of IPL 2021 and has been out since. 

He underwent a knee surgery last year but his comeback into the national side is still doubtful. 

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Harbhajan Singh, India’s most successfull off-spinner, during an interview with PTI, said that a very tough road lies ahead of Kuldeep. 

“It will be a very tough road ahead for Kuldeep. He hasn’t had any proper domestic games under his belt and it’s not easy to make an international comeback just like that. He wasn’t playing regularly before surgery and when you are making a comeback in white ball, the first thing that’s at the back of your mind is ‘I don’t want to get hit’,” Singh said. 

The Turbanator further added that for Kuldeep, dealing with the insecurities is a test of mental fortitude. 

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Harbhajan and Kuldeep, both played for KKR last year. The former wants team India and the BCCI to back the 27-year-old, who was once hailed as the team’s best spinner in overseas conditions by then-coach Ravi Shastri. 

“Let me make it clear. If he gets a couple of early wickets, he will be a different bowler but things may not go as per plan. It might take some time for him to get back the rhythm. My only suggestion would be that stick with him since you have shown conviction based on his past performances and give him enough time and confidence. He is a man who can deliver the goods for India,” Singh said.