Kuldeep is very lethal, says Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli believes "lethal" left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will have a pivotal role to play during the rest of his side's tour of England.

Kuldeep produced a man-of-the-match display as he finished with 5-24 in India's emphatic eight-wicket win over England in the first Twenty20 International at Old Trafford.

England had been in a good position at 94-1 but could only post 159-8 with Kuldeep's googlies at one point giving him three wickets in four balls on his way to his best figures in T20 Internationals.

Kuldeep's performance was also a reminder that despite their improvement in limited-overs cricket England remain vulnerable against spin.

"He's going to be effective on any pitches we play on," Kohli said. "When it turns, he's going to be even more lethal. He's very difficult to pick. I hope he can keep the batsmen guessing.

"Looking at how convincing we were in all three skill-sets gives me great please as captain, especially some of the younger guys stepping up and doing the job."

With the United Kingdom enjoying a sustained spell of hot weather, Kuldeep said he felt comfortable at Old Trafford.

"It felt like home conditions," he explained. "The wicket was very dry but when I bowled my first over I felt like there was going to be a bit of turn so I stuck to one line and length.

"I bowled my wrong 'uns in the perfect areas. It's my first tour and things are going quite well.

"Probably after this game, and for the next few games, England's batsmen will prepare well. Obviously, they are quality players."

Kohli also commended Rahul on his innings which mixed finesse with power hitting as he made his second century in T20 Internationals.

"He's someone who has come a long way -- he batted so clean, so crisp in the IPL and he has carried it forward," added the India skipper.

"We want guys like him to step up, so other guys can play with more freedom. He can bat long as well. He's very hungry, has great technique, and it's a great sign for Indian cricket."