“We had to see our best combination” – Ajinkya Rahane explains why Kuldeep Yadav was not picked at the Gabba

India pulled off a famous win at the Gabba against Australia to clinch the series 2-1 and the match has been spoken about ever since for the new heroes that it unearthed for India. Washington Sundar was one such hero who hadn’t played a single first-class match for over three years but found himself in the playing XI after injuries to Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin.

India had the option of going with Kuldeep Yadav, a specialist spinner but went for an all-rounder in Sundar and it paid off as the youngster struck a half-century in the first innings and played a crucial cameo in the second while also picking a total of three wickets including the crucial one of Steve Smith in the first innings. Kuldeep turned out to be the only member from the original Test squad who didn’t get a game with net bowlers like Sundar and T Natarajan getting preferred over him.

‘It was a really tough call’ – Ajinkya Rahane

India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane spoke to Hindustan Times about the decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav and said, “It was a really tough call because Kuldeep was there as a spinner and he deserved to play. But then we had to see our best combination for the given day and the Test match. Washington came in because of his batting. I was thinking about playing 5 bowlers and he could give us that option as well. We know he is a very good batsman and he proved that.”

“I know how it feels. I have been in that situation. Before making my Test debut, for 2 years I was just outside (the eleven). I believe that each and every member of the team is really capable of winning the Test match for you and you have got to back them. I know Kuldeep’s role in our team is very crucial and he will play a big part in future as well. For me boosting the confidence of players in their abilities is really important,” he added.

The Indian players will next be seen action in the home series against England which begins with the first Test in Chennai on February 5.

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