Kuldeep Yadav: 'Ye Hamesha Yaad Rahega...' on Fiery Five-for Against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023
Kuldeep yadav picked up 5 wickets [Twitter]
In a stunning display of left-arm wrist spin bowling mastery, Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian team's prodigious talent, credited his recent success in ODIs to a series of meticulous technical adjustments and an aggressive bowling rhythm. His exceptional performance in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 against arch-rivals Pakistan left fans and pundits alike in awe, as he picked up a remarkable five-wicket haul, propelling India to a resounding 228-run victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.
With this remarkable feat, Kuldeep Yadav further solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket, and his contributions have been a crucial factor in India's success in the ongoing Asia Cup. Currently, he stands as India's leading wicket-taker in men's ODIs in 2023, boasting a remarkable tally of 27 wickets.
Here's what Kuldeep reveals
During a post-match press conference, Kuldeep Yadav revealed his secret formula for success.
“I am just thinking about bowling in the good length and focusing on rhythm, that is more important for me, bit more aggressive as well, hitting the stumps every time, that’s really helping me a lot.”
Kuldeep also acknowledged the impact of his injury and subsequent recovery on his bowling action.
"“To keep that in mind I tried to bowl faster and I started doing it in the practice matches in Kanpur. The batsmen were getting difficult to pick. When I was picked for the India team, I started replicating it in international matches. Initially It was very difficult for me, my rhythm was breaking and I was struggling in the IPL as well. it took me six or seven months to get my rhythm back after the surgery,” he says.
I have been playing regularly for the past one and a half years after my knee surgery. Everyone now knows that my run-up has gone a bit straight. There is more aggression in the rhythm, my approach is good, and maybe earlier, my bowling hand used to fall a lot; it’s under control, and it is now facing more towards the batsman," he explained.
He further elaborated on the nuances of his improved performance, stating,
"At the same time, I have not lost my spin and drift; it is still there, and my pace has also gone up, which is helping me. For some time now, I only think about hitting those good lengths consistently, as it gives you more chances of taking wickets."
To enhance his skills, Kuldeep Yadav worked on increasing his pace, which he incorporated during practice matches in Kanpur. This adjustment made it challenging for batsmen to pick his deliveries, ultimately leading to his selection for the Indian team. However, he admitted that initially, it was a struggle, and it took several months to regain his rhythm after the surgery.
Reflecting on his memorable performance, Kuldeep Yadav expressed his elation, saying,
"When you pick up five wickets against a big team, it really boosts your morale. ‘Kabhi jab cricket band karunga, retire hounga ye hamesha yaad rahega ki Pakistan ke against 5 wicket liye the (When I will retire, I will always cherish this fifer against Pakistan)."
Kuldeep's remarkable achievement did not go unnoticed, as he etched his name in the annals of cricket history. His spell against Pakistan secured him the title of the best figures for an Indian left-arm bowler in ODI history against their arch-rivals. This milestone previously belonged to Manvinder Singh, who recorded figures of 4 for 22 in Sharjah in 1986.
 "Rajgeeta")
