IPL 2025: Kuldeep Discusses His Spin Synergy with Axar
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Synopsis
Kuldeep Yadav reflects on his enduring spin partnership with Axar Patel, highlighting their effective communication and complementary bowling styles that date back to their U17 days.
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have a long-standing spin partnership.
- Effective communication is key to their success.
- Kuldeep focuses on attacking bowling, while Axar provides control.
- Both players have been retained by DC for their skills and performance.
- Challenges of IPL bowling require dominance.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Kuldeep Yadav shared insights about his enduring spin collaboration with Axar Patel, which dates back to their days in U17 cricket. He emphasized that together they form a simple yet potent duo, with him being the attacking bowler and Axar providing the control necessary to put pressure on the batsman.
Both Axar and Kuldeep have been retained by DC among the four players ahead of last year’s mega auction. Later, Axar was named the captain, while Kuldeep took on the role of the primary spin bowler.
Reflecting on his long-standing spin partnership with the DC captain, beginning from their early cricketing days, Kuldeep stated on JioHotstar, "Axar and I have played together since our U-17 days, making our understanding very seamless. We maintain a clear-cut communication style. I recall our time during the U-19 World Cup in 2012 when we won in Australia under Unmukt Chand’s captaincy; we were both on standby. This history speaks volumes about our bond."
"Our bowling partnership has always been straightforward. I am typically the attacking bowler while Axar offers control, which intensifies pressure on the batsmen. That pressure often translates into wickets—whether for him, for me, or for other bowlers on the field at that moment.
"The pressure Axar generates during the middle overs is vital, and our communication flows effortlessly when strategizing. Just as I understood Chahal’s style, I share the same understanding with Axar. Although our bowling techniques differ, my mindset remains focused when bowling alongside him," he added.
Axar became part of DC in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the franchise's top performers over six seasons, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion. In the 83 matches he has played for DC, Axar has scored 989 runs and secured 62 wickets.
Conversely, Kuldeep joined DC in 2022 after a five-season stint with KKR (2016-2020) and had his best IPL season with 21 wickets. To date, he has claimed 49 wickets for DC, boasting impressive figures of 4-14.
Kuldeep also discussed the challenges of bowling in the IPL, noting the necessity of establishing dominance within the format. He remarked on the high level of competition, where bowlers must strive to control the game. Stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine have consistently set high standards for bowlers.
"Bowling in the IPL is extremely challenging—it’s fiercely competitive. While you might take wickets, maintaining an economy of merely 6 or 7 runs per over is not always feasible. It’s a tough format with elite players. As a bowler, you need to aspire to dominate. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine have consistently achieved this.
"During my time with KKR, I learned a lot from Sunil Narine, who was ahead of his time. He always stressed the significance of bowling length. Back then, I thought I could depend entirely on my skills, but now I understand he was spot on. Since returning from injury, I’ve concentrated significantly on my length, which has made a substantial difference," he concluded.
