India’s Kuldeep Yadav runs to field the ball during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. File.
| Photo Credit: AP
In the build-up to India’s Champions Trophy campaign, the focus was on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and the effect his absence would have on the pace battery. Mohammed Shami was returning from injury while the other two — Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana — didn’t possess too much experience.
If that was the case in the fast bowling department, a crucial member of the spin unit too was returning from a long layoff due to injury.
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Over the last three years, Kuldeep Yadav has been one of India’s premier bowlers in ODIs. Since 2022, the left-arm wrist spinner has the second-highest number of wickets for the Men in Blue (70 scalps at an impressive average of 23 in 45 games).
Kuldeep underwent groin surgery late last year and missed almost the entire domestic season. He had only the England series for some game time before travelling to Dubai.
Though the 30-year-old took only one wicket each in the two ODIs he played against Jos Buttler’s side before the ‘mini’ World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma wasn’t perturbed by his returns in those outings and backed his lead spinner to the hilt.
Kuldeep’s ability to provide breakthroughs, in the middle overs as well as at the death, has been a key ingredient in India’s success formula. And he showed that again during the weekend, taking three wickets in the big game against Pakistan.
“Injuries take six months to recover. I played two matches against England. I had good rhythm. Even against Bangladesh I felt it, but obviously, you always look for wickets,” said Kuldeep, who went wicketless against the Tigers. “But when I bowled my first over [against Pakistan], I knew I had better rhythm and control.”
A significant change Kuldeep made after the knee surgery in 2021 was to run in quicker and increase his pace. Coming back from an injury, the biggest concern was how soon he could get to the level he showed in the last few years and whether he would be able to bowl at the same pace.
Against Mohammad Rizwan & Co., Kuldeep was at his wily best, beating Salman Ali Agha in flight and forcing a leading edge as the batter tried to smash one on the leg-side. Off the next delivery, he trapped Shaheen Afridi in front with the wrong ‘un, showing that he had a bagful of tricks.
About his rehab work, Kuldeep said he “maximised everything” to get fit for the tournament.
“I thank the NCA. I did not take too many days off and when I took a couple, I was called back. So I was focused. I knew I would miss the Champions Trophy if I delayed things even slightly. I was not sure if I would be able to recover in time, but all credit to the people at NCA.”
The tweaker admitted that there was room for improvement considering that he had played only a few matches after the comeback. “To be honest, in terms of accuracy, I feel that if I play more games, I will be much better. When you face different match scenarios, you tend to mix your pace and find your variety,” he added.
A game-changing performance in a high-profile encounter is the perfect launchpad for Kuldeep as he attempts to soar higher and higher again.
Published – February 26, 2025 09:22 pm IST