In a series filled with surprises, India sprang another one in Dharmasala by handing a debut to left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. His former state team-mate Mohammad Kaif had no doubt it was the right move.
Prediction - Kuldeep Yadav will have a great debut. Aussies should struggle to read him. Best wishes to Team India.#IndvAus
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 25, 2017
After Australia raced to 131 for 1 at lunch, another expert Aakash Chopra placed his faith in Kuldeep.
Kuldeep is my Man for this innings...hope he starts after lunch and gets an extended spell. #IndvsAus
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2017
Kuldeep responded in the second session with some ripping deliveries that earned him praise from some of the greats of the game. First he dismissed David Warner to end a rapid century stand with Smith, then he got one to drift away before spinning in to have Peter Handscomb bowled and followed that up with a perfect wrong 'un to send back Glenn Maxwell.
I am impressed with @imkuldeep18's variations and the way he has started. Keep going strong, this can be your match to shine.
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 25, 2017
This has been a magnificent spell of bowling from the young man Kuldeep
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 25, 2017
The uncommon sight of a left-arm wrist spinner showcasing control and an array of variations had many excited.
New mystery guy in the house @imkuldeep18 #Magical. On the other hand brilliant hundred from smith.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 25, 2017
Wonderful beginnings for a debutant.. 2 very good wickets &the way he has bowled.. Way to go.. God bless #KuldeepYadav
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) March 25, 2017
This is a fairy-tale debut for Kuldeep Yadav. Always something extra with the wrist spinner. And he can bat!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2017
Superb spell by @imkuldeep18 , emphasises the importance of a wrist spinner on batting tracks. Brilliant
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) March 25, 2017