The five-wicket haul of Kuldeep Yadav was not a surprise. The old-school dip, drift, and turn that he so notoriously brought to the table with his debut have returned to his game, and Pakistan learned this the hard way in the Super Four match between India and Pakistan in Colombo that was interrupted by rain.
“I have been playing regularly for the past one and half years after my knee surgery. My run-up has gone a bit straight. There is more aggression in my bowling rhythm, the approach to the crease is good, and perhaps earlier my bowling hand used to fall a lot, it’s under control now and it is now facing more towards the batsman,” Kuldeep explained after the game.
Kuldeep Yadav: The Early Days
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey into international cricket began with a promise to bring back the charm of spin. Born in Kanpur, India, he honed his skills under the guidance of local coaches who recognized his exceptional talent. His early years were marked by rigorous training, and he quickly rose through the ranks.
The Impact on the Match
Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul had a profound impact on the match’s outcome. Pakistan, once hopeful of a victory, found themselves in disarray, unable to counter the spin wizardry. India emerged victorious, with Yadav as the hero of the day.
In the rain-affected Super Four match against Pakistan, Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul was a testament to his extraordinary talent and the revival of classic spin bowling. His dip, drift, and turn left an indelible mark on the game, proving that the art of spin is very much alive and thriving in the world of cricket.
Kuldeep said he will cherish this five-wicket haul for a long time. “When you pick up five wickets against a big team, it really boosts your morale,” Kuldeep acknowledged. “Whenever I retire, I will always cherish this fifer against Pakistan.”
