IPL 2025: Kuldeep Yadav Highlights Length as Crucial for Success
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Synopsis
Ahead of the IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, Kuldeep Yadav discusses his focus on getting his lengths right. He also shares insights on the challenges of wrist-spin bowling and his approach to the game.
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep Yadav emphasizes the importance of length in bowling.
- He is focused on improving his wrist-spin skills.
- Kuldeep has personal connections with fellow spinner Noor Ahmad.
- The match-up against CSK's top order is crucial for the game's outcome.
- He believes in adapting to the T20 format while staying true to his strengths.
Chennai, April 4 (NationPress) In anticipation of the Delhi Capitals facing off against the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav emphasized that his primary focus for achieving success in the tournament revolves around mastering his lengths.
While CSK approaches the match having suffered two consecutive defeats, DC arrives undefeated in the tournament. “In all formats, I am particularly concentrating on the length. Length is essential, and this is my fourth year with DC, so nothing changes. With experience comes maturity, as I’ve learned what my strengths are—spinning the ball is undoubtedly my strength,” Kuldeep stated.
“I’m keeping my approach straightforward by concentrating on the length, and we’ve been discussing this extensively. I mention it frequently in my interviews. So, the length is essential for me,” Kuldeep expressed during the pre-match press conference on Friday.
This match is also noteworthy for the clash between left-arm wrist spinners, as CSK features Noor Ahmad from Afghanistan, who has been their standout spinner thus far. Kuldeep divulged that he is familiar with Noor personally and has discussed the nuances of left-arm wrist-spin bowling with him.
“He is performing exceptionally well, and I know him personally. He is eager to learn from everyone. We had a conversation last night about how to approach leg spin. He possesses a fantastic wrong’un, and at that pace, it’s tough for a batter to read him, particularly in Chennai, where scoring against wrist spinners is always a challenge,” Kuldeep noted.
“I believe that whether you bowl wrist spin with your right or left arm, it’s vital to adapt and refine the skill of spinning the ball, which I have developed over the years. Even now, I’m focused on how to enhance my spinning abilities, especially since I aim to play with the red ball as well,” he elaborated.
“You must cultivate the skill to spin the ball, mastering basic deliveries like chinaman and regular leg spin. The T20 format changes the game entirely, as you must control runs while also aiming to take wickets,” he added.
The encounter between Kuldeep and captain Axar Patel against CSK’s struggling top order will be pivotal in determining the match's outcome. However, Kuldeep admitted that he hasn’t made special preparations to outsmart players like Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, apart from being aware of CSK’s designated spin hitter, Shivam Dube.
“Not really, to be honest. They are all exceptional players, and in T20, they must attack the ball. As you’ve seen in many games, my plan is straightforward: to dismiss them,” he remarked.
“You need to stay relevant in every match, practicing daily to understand the batters' strategies, especially on game day. That’s my focus—reading the batter and sticking to my strengths, keeping everything simple,” he concluded.
Kuldeep wrapped up by mentioning that he doesn’t overthink his delivery sequence in T20s, contrasting with fellow wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been performing exceptionally well for KKR. “Varun has been outstanding over the last year, playing excellent cricket up to this point. As for me, I’m very adaptable. I don’t follow a sequence for my deliveries; I simply read the batter and determine the best delivery to bowl. I don’t adhere to a specific order,” he explained.
