'No One Told Me…' - Kuldeep Yadav's Blunt Response to Bowling Critics

image-lnk50aumKuldeep Yadav celebrating with teammates after a wicket (AP Photo)

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav attributes his resurgence in white-ball cricket to a notable increase in his delivery pace, a transformation he credits to physio Ashish Kaushik.

Kuldeep's remarkable progress in the few years has reached new heights in 2023. This year alone, the Chinaman bowler has claimed 35 wickets across 17 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.68 and boasting a batting average of 16.31. In 2023, no other Indian bowler has secured more wickets than Kuldeep. 

His resurgence in international cricket is primarily attributed to a significant change in his bowling action, which has allowed him to operate at a higher pace; something he couldn't do in the past.

When asked about the secret behind his increased delivery pace, which has made him India's most consistent ODI bowler in the last 18 months, Kuldeep provided a light-hearted response, saying, 

"Everyone told me my deliveries required pace but no one told me how to do it."

His journey of improvement began after returning from an injury, during which physio Ashish Kaushik advised him to reduce the load on his right leg. 

Kuldeep incorporated this advice into his training regimen and match performances, gradually feeling the difference. This transformation didn't happen overnight, taking approximately six months for him to regain his rhythm following knee surgery.

"Once I was coming back from injury, it was physio Ashish Kaushik who advised that the load on my right leg should be less. Post rehab, I implemented that in my training and then in match situations and I felt the difference. It didn't happen overnight though. It took around six months to get the rhythm back," added Kuldeep.

Since tweaking his bowling action, Kuldeep has maintained a threatening presence with the white ball. A distinguishing feature of his new action is his ability to vary his line, lengths, and pace effectively.

In India's opening match of the 2023 World Cup, they convincingly defeated Australia, securing their first victory in the tournament. Kuldeep played a pivotal role in this win, delivering an impressive performance with figures of 2/42 in his 10 overs on a turning track at Chepauk.