'Get revs on the ball, generate drift, and take wickets' - Kuldeep Yadav reveals his recipe for success ahead of Edgbaston Test

Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

A lot of experts have batted for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test between India and England, which begins on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. In the first Test, the Indian bowling attack comprised three pacers, one spin-bowling all-rounder, and one seam-bowling all-rounder. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, who bagged a five-for in the first innings, no other bowler could put the England batters under pressure.

Kuldeep has been bowling at full tilt in the net sessions of late, which suggests that he is in line to play his first Test match since October 2024. The Uttar Pradesh spinner might play a crucial role at Edgbaston, as the surface could be drier than normal, with the weather forecast suggesting high temperatures on all five days.

Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated clash, Kuldeep said that taking wickets is important for a bowler to justify his place in the side, especially when playing in England. He also revealed his simple mantra for success, irrespective of whether he is playing at home or away.

"If you don't take wickets, you can't justify your place in the side-especially in England. Whether you're playing at home or abroad, the goal is the same: get revs on the ball, generate drift, and take wickets," he said while speaking to The Indian Express.

Kevin Pietersen told me that most spinners come to England with a defensive mindset: Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep worked closely with Kevin Pietersen during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The latter was the mentor of Kuldeep's IPL team, Delhi Capitals. The Indian spinner revealed how the former England batter urged him to bowl with an attacking mindset during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and look to pick up wickets with every single delivery.

"He [Pietersen] gave me a lot of insights for the England tour. We discussed field placements, pitches, and the mindset of their batters. He walked me through their line-up and stressed the importance of an attacking mindset," Kuldeep said.

"Pietersen told me that most spinners come to England with a defensive mindset. They assume the fast bowlers will do the damage, and that they'll just play a supporting role. But he told me to think differently-if I bowl 15 to 20 overs, I should be thinking about how to get the batter out, every single ball," he added.