Reports compare Kuldeep Yadav's selection struggles to Scott Boland's
The comparison highlights how different selection priorities can produce similar outcomes for two high-performing bowlers.
Reports have drawn parallels between Kuldeep Yadav's stop-start Test career and that of Australia's Scott Boland. Both have played only 19 Tests despite strong records, though the reasons differ.
Boland's opportunities are limited by Australia's pace bowling depth, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood established in the side. Kuldeep, however, has often been overlooked in favour of a longer batting line-up, with the management recently handing a debut to Saransh Jain ahead of him in Colombo.
In 19 Tests, Kuldeep has 80 wickets at an average of 23.36. Boland has taken 82 wickets at an average of 18.58. The second Test between Australia and South Africa in Gqeberha offered Boland another opportunity after a period on the sidelines.
CricHubb Take
Kuldeep's limited opportunities reflect a deliberate preference for batting depth over spin variety, a choice that will only be tested when India plays on surfaces where four seamers cannot be accommodated.