Murali Kartik backs Kuldeep Yadav for regular spot despite India’s all-rounder preference

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has backed specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to receive a more consistent place in India's playing eleven across formats. Speaking ahead of India's tour of New Zealand scheduled to start on October 22, 2026, Kartik described Kuldeep as an out-and-out match-winner whose primary bowling value justifies regular selection over an all-rounder-heavy approach focused solely on batting depth.

Kartik expressed confusion over Kuldeep's difficulty in holding down a permanent spot despite strong international figures, including 194 wickets in 120 ODIs and 95 wickets in 54 T20Is. He emphasized that specialist bowlers are crucial for holding their nerve under pressure, noting Kuldeep remains a handy batter alongside all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel.