The competition for places in India’s Test spin attack has become more interesting following the rapid emergence of Manav Suthar. The young left arm spinner has impressed in his early international appearances, raising questions about where Kuldeep Yadav fits into India’s long term plans.
Former India spinner Maninder Singh believes Kuldeep still possesses the ability to become an important Test match bowler. However, he has suggested that the bigger concern for Kuldeep is the level of confidence shown by the team management rather than any major decline in his bowling skills.
Suthar’s Rapid Rise
Manav Suthar has made a strong impression since receiving his Test debut for India against Afghanistan in June 2026. The Rajasthan left arm spinner claimed six wickets in Afghanistan’s first innings and finished the match with seven wickets.
His ability to generate flight, drift and turn has attracted considerable attention. His performances have subsequently strengthened his case for continued involvement in the Test setup.
Suthar then produced another outstanding performance against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, where he claimed 10 wickets as India secured a 165 run victory. His success has naturally increased the competition among India’s left arm spinners.
Maninder Singh’s View on Kuldeep
Maninder Singh has argued that Kuldeep Yadav should not be written off simply because a younger spinner has emerged.
According to Maninder, Kuldeep remains a specialist wicket taking bowler who offers a different skill set because of his left arm wrist spin. He believes the team management needs to show greater confidence in Kuldeep and provide him with regular opportunities.
The former spinner also pointed out that Kuldeep had previously struggled with rhythm but worked hard to improve his bowling. In his assessment, the current situation is more about selection and confidence than a permanent decline in ability.
Different Bowling Styles
The competition between Kuldeep and Suthar is particularly interesting because they are not identical bowlers.
Kuldeep is a left arm wrist spinner who can turn the ball in different directions and provide an attacking option. His variations can create problems for batsmen, especially on surfaces offering assistance to spin.
Suthar, on the other hand, is a left arm orthodox spinner. His strength lies in control, flight, drift and consistency.
The Indian Express recently highlighted the technical qualities of Suthar, including his seam position and ability to use flight and drift to deceive batsmen.
This means the selection debate is not simply about deciding which player is better. It also depends on the conditions, team combination and role required by the captain and coaching staff.
Competition for the Second Spinner’s Position
Ravindra Jadeja remains an important part of India’s spin bowling plans. The question is who should partner him when India decide to play two specialist spinners.
Kuldeep brings experience and a different type of spin. Suthar provides another left arm orthodox option and has the advantage of being younger and increasingly confident after his early international success.
India’s selection strategy may therefore depend on the opposition and pitch conditions.
On a turning surface, Kuldeep’s ability to attack with wrist spin could be particularly valuable. On other pitches, Suthar’s control and ability to bowl long spells could make him an attractive option.
Kuldeep’s Recent Challenge
Kuldeep has had a complicated Test career despite his obvious talent. Since making his Test debut in 2017, he has played considerably fewer matches than might have been expected for a bowler of his ability. The Indian Express noted that he had played only 18 Tests over nine years.
His limited opportunities have often been linked to team combinations and pitch conditions.
The situation became more challenging during India’s recent Test assignments, where the team sometimes preferred spin bowling all rounders who offered additional batting depth.
Maninder Singh has questioned this approach, arguing that specialist wicket takers can have a greater impact in Test cricket than players selected primarily because they provide additional batting options.
Suthar Does Not Mean the End for Kuldeep
Despite Suthar’s impressive performances, it would be premature to suggest that Kuldeep’s Test career has ended.
Kuldeep remains an experienced international bowler with a unique skill set. His wrist spin provides India with a variety that Suthar cannot completely replicate.
The competition could instead be beneficial for both players.
Suthar’s emergence gives India another reliable spin option for the future, particularly as the team considers its long term plans for the period after Ravindra Jadeja.
At the same time, competition could motivate Kuldeep to improve further and demonstrate that he remains capable of producing match winning performances.
Kuldeep Needs to Respond
Maninder Singh has urged Kuldeep to respond to the competition rather than wait for selection opportunities to come automatically.
The former spinner believes Kuldeep needs to work harder, convince the coaches and selectors of his value and remain close to the competition created by Suthar.
That advice reflects the reality of international cricket. A player with established credentials can still face pressure when a younger performer begins producing results.
Kuldeep therefore has an opportunity to make his case through domestic cricket, training and future international appearances.
Recent Sri Lanka Series
The ongoing Sri Lanka series has provided an important indication of India's changing spin combination.
Suthar's strong performance in Galle significantly strengthened his credentials. Kuldeep, meanwhile, was not selected for the second Test in Colombo because he had not fully recovered from a viral illness. The decision was therefore not solely a reflection of Suthar's emergence.
This distinction is important when assessing Kuldeep's current position.
The team management has continued to back him, while coach Gautam Gambhir recently encouraged him to remain patient after his modest return in the first Test.
India’s Long Term Spin Plans
India are entering an important phase in their Test spin strategy.
Ravindra Jadeja remains an established option, but the selectors are also looking at younger players who could become long term members of the Test squad.
Suthar's performances have made him one of those players.
His rise does not necessarily have to come at Kuldeep's expense. India could potentially use both players depending on conditions and opposition.
The challenge for the selectors will be finding the right combination while ensuring that talented specialists receive sufficient opportunities.
What This Means for Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep's immediate task is clear. He needs to maintain his form, remain physically fit and take advantage of every opportunity he receives.
His biggest advantage is his experience and the unique qualities of wrist spin.
Suthar's biggest advantage is momentum. His Test debut and subsequent performance against Sri Lanka have given him considerable confidence.
The competition between the two could become one of the most closely watched selection battles in India's Test setup.
For now, there is no evidence that Suthar's emergence means Kuldeep has been pushed out of Test cricket permanently. Instead, India's spin department appears to have gained another promising option.
The final decision will depend on pitch conditions, opposition, team balance, recent performances and the confidence of the captain and coaching staff.
Maninder Singh's assessment adds another dimension to the debate. His view is that Kuldeep still has the ability to succeed at the highest level and that the bowler must now respond positively to the competition.
With Suthar establishing himself quickly, Kuldeep may need to produce his strongest performances yet to ensure that his place in India's long term Test plans remains secure