Bench but Not Idle: How India Keeps Reserve Players Like Kuldeep Sharp

As the spotlight shines brightly on India’s playing XI during the high-octane IND vs ENG series, a quieter but equally intense effort is unfolding away from the limelight. It involves the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Abhimanyu Easwaran — non-playing squad members who remain on the fringes, waiting for an opportunity. But being benched doesn’t mean being idle. Far from it.

In modern cricket, squad depth is not just a backup plan—it’s a strategic necessity. Injuries, form slumps, and demanding schedules require all 15-18 members of a squad to stay mentally sharp and physically ready at all times. For India, this principle is being applied meticulously during the ongoing England series, where keeping players like Kuldeep, Arshdeep, and Easwaran match-fit is almost an operation in itself.

Training with Purpose, Not Just Repetition

Team India’s support staff has crafted a detailed routine to ensure that non-playing members remain as close to match-readiness as possible. These players engage in intense net sessions, scenario-based training, and even intra-squad games when possible.

For Kuldeep Yadav, who thrives on rhythm and deception, bowling long spells in the nets is crucial. However, just bowling at batters in the nets is not enough. The coaching staff, particularly spin consultant and assistant coaches, create simulated match scenarios—setting up batsmen with specific instructions to mimic match aggression or defense. Kuldeep is tasked with bowling as though he were in the middle of a real spell, complete with field placements and bowling plans.

Similarly, Arshdeep Singh, with his left-arm angle and control, is getting overs under his belt every day. He’s also working on specific drills for death-over bowling, slower deliveries, and new-ball swing. Facing India’s top-order in the nets, especially under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, ensures that Arshdeep gets both variety and intensity in his practice.

Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Quiet Standby

For Abhimanyu Easwaran, being the traveling reserve opener is both an honor and a test of patience. He doesn’t have the bowling workloads that demand daily attention, but the mental challenge of staying prepared without match time is intense.

To keep himself ready, Easwaran has been focusing on simulation. He does solo sessions where he mentally plays out a Test innings—facing new balls, surviving tough conditions, or accelerating when required. Net bowlers and support staff are rotated to challenge him with different styles—pace, swing, bounce, spin—ensuring he is not caught off guard if he’s suddenly called to bat in a live game.

Batting coach Vikram Rathour has also been instrumental in guiding Easwaran’s daily work. The emphasis is on keeping the technique tight, building mental resilience, and ensuring trigger movements stay intact—essential for someone not getting regular competitive cricket.

Data-Driven Match Readiness

What makes this preparation different from old-school ‘warm the bench’ days is the use of data and technology. The Indian team uses performance monitoring tools and motion trackers to measure effort and fatigue even during net sessions. This helps ensure that Kuldeep or Arshdeep are not just bowling, but bowling with match-level intensity.

Video analysts are also at work, showing non-playing members key footage from past matches of opponents they may face. For instance, Kuldeep is shown clips of how England’s batsmen have handled wrist-spin in recent years. Arshdeep studies footage of English openers and lower-order players, looking for weaknesses and shot tendencies.

This technical and tactical preparation gives these players a sense of control and confidence. Even if they’re not in the XI, they’re mentally preparing as though they are one injury or rotation away from being in the thick of action.

Role of the Support Staff

Rahul Dravid and his coaching team have placed immense importance on the psychological well-being of non-playing members. It’s easy for players to feel left out, particularly on long tours where travel, hotel confinement, and team dynamics can take a toll.

To counter this, there’s structured engagement. Regular one-on-one meetings with coaches help players voice concerns, track their progress, and stay motivated. Group activities, including team dinners, bonding sessions, and even leadership discussions, ensure these players feel like core members—not reserves.

Strength and conditioning coaches, meanwhile, personalize each player's fitness regime. Arshdeep, who needs to manage workload carefully due to his pace bowling, follows a mix of recovery sessions and strength drills. Kuldeep’s routine involves mobility work and core strengthening to maintain the torque he generates during his delivery stride.

Shadow Matches: The New Secret Weapon

Intra-squad matches have become a vital part of Team India’s toolkit. In some cases, the team conducts closed-door practice games that allow reserve players to get match-like experiences without external scrutiny. These matches simulate pressure, fielding placements, and even include scoring through official scorers.

For players like Easwaran, these become critical opportunities to display temperament, while for bowlers like Arshdeep or Kuldeep, it allows testing of new deliveries or strategies under more realistic conditions than nets can provide.

Eyes on Future Opportunities

Though not in the starting XI currently, each of these players is being viewed through the lens of future series and squad rotations. With a packed calendar—World Test Championship commitments, ODIs, T20s, and potential injuries—opportunities will arise.

Abhimanyu Easwaran is seen as a long-term Test asset. Arshdeep has already shown his T20 mettle and is being groomed for Test cricket. Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, is always a strategic option, especially on turning tracks or against spin-susceptible opponents like England.

The preparation now is not just about this series—it’s about making sure they’re ready when their moment comes, and that when they do take the field, they perform like they’ve never been away from it.

 The Bench Is the Backbone

In modern cricket, the difference between a good team and a great one often lies in the quality of its bench. India’s meticulous focus on keeping players like Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Abhimanyu Easwaran match-ready shows the maturity and depth of the system.

It’s not just about the eleven on the field, but the silent warriors off it—those grinding daily without glory, but with discipline, heart, and the belief that their time will come. And when it does, thanks to this behind-the-scenes work, they’ll be more than ready.