Image of Kuldeep Yadav from Asia Cup 2023.© AFP
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav won the Man of the Tournament award in Asia Cup 2023. He finished the event as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps in four innings at an average of 11.44 and an economy of 3.61. His best figures were 5 for 25 against Pakistan. “I don’t think too much; I just read the wicket. It’s very important for me to get the right length and keep bowling the good length,” he said. “I also read the batter on what shot he’s trying to play. I’ve been effectively using my wrong one and flipper and I get a lot of confidence from that.
“I’ve been working a lot (on the wrong one) for the last year and a half. The rhythm is something that breaks quite often and takes time to get back.” Kuldeep’s form had gone into a downward spiral in 2019 and it has taken him almost four years to get his rhythm back.
“I’m lucky to have got that rhythm back. It took a while and wasn’t easy, but now it’s smooth and aggressive with the pace; enjoying it a lot.” Siraj’s awe-inspiring spell did not allow Kuldeep to bowl in the final. However, the latter was satisfied to have bowled effectively in the three matches in which he bowled.
“I guess the way you (Siraj) bowled today, I’m glad I didn’t have to bowl today. You deserve the moment. Also, if a team is bowled for 50, you always want the match to end quickly.
“It doesn’t matter whether I bowled or not. I bowled in two (three) matches where I bowled well and I am happy with that.”
Topics mentioned in this article