"I should be able to handle the pressure of the first two overs" - Team India bowler's huge statement on his batting ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Team India spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed his desire to contribute with the bat in the upcoming Test tour of England. Team India will take on England in five Tests, starting at Leeds on June 20.

The 30-year-old missed India's last Test series in Australia at the end of last year with an injury. The side suffered a dismal 1-3 series defeat in his absence.

Despite debuting in Tests in 2017, Kuldeep has played only 13 Tests for India, thanks mainly to Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's dominance as a spin-bowling tandem. Yet, Kuldeep boasts an excellent Test record with the ball, picking up 56 wickets at an average of 22.16, including four 5-wicket hauls.

He has also displayed admirable technique with the bat in Tests, evidenced by his average of over 13 despite predominantly batting low in the order.

Talking about his batting aspirations ahead of the England tour in an interview with Revsportz, Kuldeep said:

"I have confidence in my defence and technique with the red ball, and I’m definitely looking forward to spend more time at the wicket and add whatever runs I can to the scoreboard. For, if I must bat, then I should be able to handle the pressure of the first two overs and stick on after that as well."

He added:

"There’s all the time in Test cricket, so I would hope to at least just stay down there and not lose my wicket. I had a good stint last series against England so I am keeping my preparation in place."

Kuldeep last played a Test in India's embarrassing 0-3 home series whitewash to New Zealand ahead of the Australian tour.

"With England team, one cannot relax and play defensive" - Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav believes India cannot take their eye off the ball for any length of time in the upcoming Test series in England. After Ben Stokes took over captaincy in early 2022, England have not lost a home Test series, with the 2023 Ashes series being the lone draw.

Looking ahead to the English challenge, Kuldeep said (via the aforementioned source):

"I have played against England last year, and have the idea about their playing style. The only thing is that one has to be very alert all the time and stay focused. Unlike other teams, with England team, one cannot relax and play defensive. England bat in a very aggressive manner so one has to very much be in the game and plan your overs accordingly."

Kuldeep has played only the lone Test in England in 2018 and went wicketless in his nine overs. However, he boasts a stellar bowling record against England in Tests, picking up 21 wickets in six outings at an average of 22.28.