Kuldeep Yadav Reflects on Improved Rhythm vs. Pakistan in Champions Trophy
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Synopsis
In the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan, Kuldeep Yadav showcased an impressive bowling performance with figures of 3-40. After a challenging start to the tournament, he expressed confidence in his rhythm and ability to improve with more game time.
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep recorded impressive bowling figures of 3-40 against Pakistan.
- He regained form after a tough start in the tournament.
- Kuldeep emphasized the importance of increased match play for improvement.
- He discussed his bowling strategy, especially in challenging conditions.
- India is set to maintain their unbeaten record against New Zealand.
Dubai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed that he felt more in sync during the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan on Sunday, achieving impressive bowling figures of 3-40 across his nine overs, leading to the dismissal of the opposition for 241.
Kuldeep had not taken any wickets in India's initial match against Bangladesh. However, he regained his form in this significant game, claiming two wickets consecutively before securing his third in the final overs.
After undergoing surgery for a sports hernia last year, Kuldeep had missed over a quarter of the season. He made his comeback during the England ODIs, where he only managed to claim one wicket in each of the two matches.
"Recovery from injuries typically spans six months. I played two matches against England. My rhythm was good. I felt comfortable even in the match against Bangladesh, although I did not take any wickets then. However, today, as I bowled my first over, I sensed that I was in a better rhythm and felt at ease," Kuldeep shared with reporters in the Mixed Zone following the match against Pakistan.
"I still believe I can enhance my performance. Having participated in 3-4 matches, I expect to improve as I gain more experience," he added.
Reflecting on his two wickets of Salman Agha (19) and Shaheen Shah Afridi in consecutive deliveries during the 43rd over, the spinner remarked, "My first wicket of Salman was a standard Chinaman delivery. It was slow, but I adjusted the pace. The second wicket was a first-ball swing. I aimed for the wicket, believing it was the right approach to target the wrong one. I had to strategize on which delivery to focus on. Slow tracks make incoming deliveries challenging, so that was my plan."
Kuldeep also emphasized that increased playtime would bring out his best abilities. "To be honest, regarding accuracy, I am confident that playing more games will significantly improve my performance. When you participate in more matches, you naturally start to mix your pace," he explained.
"I managed to establish myself as the primary bowler for the final 10 overs. The captain agreed it's tough for batsmen to score against spinners with variations. Fortunately, it worked in my favor. Given the slow wicket, I aimed to mix my pace with wrong ones and topspin deliveries.
"If you secure one or two wickets during the middle overs, batsmen often tend to play defensively. That's what they did in the last 10 overs. Competing against Pakistan brings significant pressure from fans and high expectations. I thrive on that pressure," Kuldeep remarked.
With a spot in the semifinals nearly guaranteed, India aims to maintain their unbeaten record when they face New Zealand on March 2 to finish atop Group A.
