Ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerged as a key player for Rohit Sharma-led Team India with the ball in the five-match Test series against England, which the hosts ended up winning 4-1. Initially left out of the playing XI for the first Test in favor of a more experienced spin trio, Kuldeep got his chance due to an injury to Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, taking four wickets and helping India level the series.
Kuldeep Yadav's spin wizardry during India vs England's Test series
Even when Jadeja returned for the third Test, the team management displayed faith in Kuldeep, opting to drop Axar Patel. This decision proved to be a masterstroke as Kuldeep continued his impressive form, picking up 15 wickets in the last three Tests, including a fifer in the final match.
Kuldeep's strong performance against England has led many to believe that the left-arm spinner has finally rediscovered his best form after a period of struggles in recent times.
Kuldeep burst onto the international scene in a blaze of glory. He wasn't just dominant at home, but overseas as well. His performances in England, South Africa, and Australia were particularly impressive. However, his success seemed to wane after the retirement of former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
ALSO READ: Delhi Capitals announce 29-ball centurion as Lungi Ngidi's replacement for IPL 2024
Kuldeep Yadav didn't want MS Dhoni to retire early
The legendary Dhoni was known for his exceptional cricketing mind and his ability to guide bowlers from behind the stumps. He played a crucial role in Kuldeep's early success. Unfortunately, after Dhoni's retirement, Kuldeep's form dipped significantly, leading him to lose his place in the Indian team.
Recently, Kuldeep's performances have shown signs of improvement. He has publicly acknowledged the significant role Dhoni played in his early career. Dhoni's presence, according to Kuldeep, not only made things easier for him but for other spinners as well. He also admitted to struggling with the added responsibility of leading the bowling attack after Dhoni's departure.
“I wanted him to play more because it was very easy for us when we were bowling. After Dhoni retired, my performance with the ball wasn’t great. It happens when a person guides you and that person’s influence is not there anymore, then suddenly everything is on your shoulders. It takes time for you to react to the situation … that probably happened to me. Then slowly you understand and become self-reliant,” Kuldeep Yadav told Indianexpress.com.
“But Chahal and I really enjoyed when Mahi bhai was keeping wickets, he used to give lots of ideas. I didn’t have to think too much when I was bowling. I just had to bowl and he would even adjust the fields. No doubt the time I had with Mahi bhai on the field and even off the field was great,” Kuldeep Yadav concluded.
Both Kuldeep and Dhoni are gearing up for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 which is slated to start from March 22 where Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opener.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
