Kuldeep has excelled in the Asia Cup to date. ©AFP
In mid-June at Beckenham, Kuldeep Yadav observed the pitch during India’s intra-squad match, noting it seemed favorable for spinners—dry with decent bounce. He expressed this insight at an informal press conference.
As a five-Test series against England loomed and Ravichandran Ashwin was absent from the squad, Kuldeep felt a glimmer of hope.
However, when the matches began, the dry and flat pitches were perfect for spinners, but Kuldeep was still sidelined.
Despite his refined bowling technique, which included an improved run-up and a more aggressive rhythm, Kuldeep struggled to secure a place in the team. Selection concerns revolved around finding balance, often favoring allrounders or players who could contribute with the bat.
This theme persisted into the Asia Cup, where many overlooked Kuldeep’s potential. Yet, he impressed after being brought into the team, showcasing his skills by taking six wickets in just two games.
In a recent match against Pakistan, Kuldeep’s performance was stellar, leading to another Player of the Match award. He may feel he’s not at his peak yet, but his variations and pressure tactics have proved effective, emphasizing how crucial wrist spin can be.
© Cricbuzz
