India's middle-order stalwart Ajinkya Rahane stressed to the media here yesterday that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the X-factor of the team through his limited-overs performances. But his subsequent remarks and clues from the net session showed that India will stick to the tested pair of Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja.

Mumbai-based batsman Ajinkya Rahane was quick to remind media persons that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and left-arm tweaker Ravindra Jadeja have done well for India. This was not the only hint provided over Kuldeep Yadav not making it in the final XI for tomorrow's opening Test of the five-match Pataudi Trophy.