New Delhi: Indian Spinner Kuldeep Yadav He says his focus is on Test cricket as he is set to lead the team’s spin attack in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Despite the disappointment IPL An early exit from the 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where he took just 10 wickets and the team missed out on the playoffs, has given him valuable time to switch gears and focus on the longer format. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who has taken 76 wickets in 17 Tests, believes his primary responsibility is to deliver wins for the team. The spinner said on JioHotstar’s “Follow the Blues” segment, “As an attacking spinner, I want to get regular hits for the team, and that’s my only mindset. My focus is on playing red ball cricket.”Kuldeep admitted that transitioning from T20 cricket to the demands of Test matches is never easy. He used the extra time after the IPL to prepare specifically for Red Ball Cricket and got used to the various challenges that came with it.He added, “When you switch from IPL cricket to red ball cricket, it is difficult. Preparation becomes very important. Fortunately, I have time. I practiced for at least 10 to 15 days and got a feel for the red ball.”He explained that patience and consistency are much more important in Test cricket than in T20, “Bowling is different in Test cricket, in T20 you are always attacking, you are always thinking about going after the batsman. But in Test cricket the batsman has a lot of time.”Kuldeep also emphasized the importance of a strong spin attack, especially with big Test assignments against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, adding, “I believe if you have a quality spin attack in your team, you can break the game in any situation.”with the Ravindra Jadeja And Akshar Patel was rested, Kuldeep will be given added responsibility in the Afghanistan Test. However, he believes that the youth Harsh Dubey And Manu Sothar is up for the challenge.“Preparations are going well for the Afghanistan Test match. We have had two net sessions so far. Yes, Jadobhai is not there. He is a Test regular. We will also miss Akshar Patel. But the preparations have been good.” He disclosed. Kuldeep praised the young spinners for their domestic experience and exposure to the red ball. “They may lack international experience, but when it comes to red ball cricket, preparation and match awareness, they are absolutely on top because they are playing regularly,” he added. He believes that his recent involvement in India A tours and domestic tournaments has prepared him well for the international stage.
