India's left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav urged the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans to "chill" after a video of him trolling the franchise went viral on social media. Kuldeep who is set to make his comeback against England after recovering from an injury was part of a live chat session on YouTube when he took a jibe at RCB.
One of the fans during the chat session asked Kuldeep if he would join the RCB franchise. The fan also asked whether he could be a "goalkeeper" for them. The Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner had a witty response as he said that the franchise needs an IPL trophy, not a goalkeeper.
“Tumhe goalkeeper ki nahi, trophy ki jarurat hai mere bhai. Goalkeeper kya karoge? (You don't need a goalkeeper. You need a trophy. What will you do with a goalkeeper)?” said Kuldeep.
The 30-year-old has been part of Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and now DC. However, he made his IPL debut in 2016 for KKR and is yet to win an IPL trophy. On January 24, Kuldeep responded to trolling in his own fashion.
"Chill yar rcb fans...Trophy apki hai. Par me goal keeper ni hu (Chill RCB fans. The trophy will be yours. But i'm not a goalkeeper.)," said Kuldeep on X.
Kuldeep's last appearance in international cricket was against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test. The groin injury ruled him out of the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Now, he has been named in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He will mark his return on February 6 in the first ODI of the three-ODI series against Englnad at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
Kuldeep's record against RCB
He has played 10 matches against RCB and taken seven wickets. His bowling average against the franchise is 43. His economy rate against them is 9.70 runs per over.
Kuldeep was retained by DC for Rs 13.25 crore before the IPL 2025 mega auction.
RCB batters fail in first T20I
RCB were trolled on social media as their English recruits failed in the first T20I against India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Opener Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone registered ducks whereas young Jacob Bethell managed to score just seven runs from 14 balls.