'That conversation with him motivated me': Kuldeep reveals Ponting's first words to him

Indian left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence has been one of the stories of the 15th season of the IPL so far.

Having been consigned to the fringes during his time at the Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep has found comfort in the Delhi Capitals' environment, where the leadership group led by Ricky Ponting have placed immense faith in him.

Kuldeep has made a significant increment in his arm speed and is now consistently bowling in excess of 80 kmph, which isn't allowing batters to line him up easily.

The left-arm chinaman spinner recently opened up about his experience with DC in the latest episode of the podcast hosted by the franchise.

During the podcast, Yadav revealed how his first interaction with Ponting, where the Australian assured him that he would play all the matches, gave him immense motivation and confidence.

"When you are given the freedom to express yourself, then you start to enjoy everything. When I spoke to Ricky during my first practice session with the team, he told me that I am bowling very well and that he's looking to play me for all 14 league matches. That conversation with him motivated me a lot."

Kuldeep also heaped high praise on the assistant coach and former all-rounder Shane Watson for helping him work on the mental side of the game.

"Shane Watson has also helped me a lot. I am very lucky to have worked with Watson for three-four sessions. He has particularly helped me with the mental aspect of the game. I have shared a lot of things with him about what I have been through before joining this team. I speak openly with him."

Kuldeep has thus far taken 13 wickets in seven games at an average of 17.38. In the last match, he got hammered against Jos Buttler, conceding 40 runs in three overs.

He will look to put the blip behind him and carry with the good work in the upcoming games of the season.