Kuldeep Yadav Wants to See Himself As A 'Classic Spinner' in Future

The advent and meteoric rise of Twenty20 cricket subsequently made variations owing to the need of the hour. With the batsmen devising some absolutely outrageous shots in order to score quickly, the bowlers have very less option other than finding new deliveries – to contain the batsmen. Not surprisingly, the mystery spinners have excelled in the last few years, as Kuldeep Yadav is one among them.

The likes of Ajantha Mendis, Sunil Narine, and others have made a big mark. Recently, India’s spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin was seen bowling leg-spin in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). But while most of the spinners out there are desperate to bring a certain degree of mystery in their bowling, Kuldeep is an exception.

India’s latest spin sensation is looking to create his legacy as a classic tweaker instead of making his mark as a mystery spinner.

In a recent interview, Kuldeep said that he is only focussing on brushing up his basic skills.

“I’m right now focussing on my basic skills and constantly looking to improve them. In future, I see myself as a classic spinner rather than being called as a ‘mystery spinner’,” he told India TV.

“I’m not working on any new variations at the moment. I don’t think I will ever try to bowl a carrom ball or any other new delivery,” he added.

“I’m more used to making small changes in my wrist position and pace to bamboozle the batsmen,” Kuldeep maintained.

Kuldeep has brought back the art of chinaman bowling which was fast fading away from international cricket. He hogged the limelight in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Exciting youngster Kuldeep had also become the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the history of the tournament. He soon received his Test cap for the home series against Australia in 2017. He was handed the coveted Test cap by in Dharamsala.

Kuldeep once again went on to prove his worth by dismissing the likes of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell. His four-wicket haul had set the platform for India’s series-winning game.

He did not have to wait too long for his ODI call-up and made it during the tour of Windies after the Champions Trophy in June.

The Chinaman was the joint highest wicket-taker on this tour but was surprisingly overlooked for the first three One-day Internationals in Sri Lanka. He was recalled into the side for the last two games and the subsequent Australia series.

Kuldeep was one of India’s best performers in the series and also took a hat-trick.

The slow-bowler further enhanced his reputation with a stunning display during the tour of South Africa in early 2018. Kuldeep finished the series as India’s leading wicket-taker. As of now, he has become an integral part of the national team.

Kuldeep is currently plying his trade for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. The Knight Riders have traditionally relied on spinners for their success. The ongoing series is not an exception either.

The two-time champions Knight Riders have used Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, and Kuldeep in tandem.

Kuldeep feels his job becomes relatively easier when he’s bowling alongside the likes of Narine and Chawla.

“PC and Narine are proven campaigners and are easily the best spinners in this format. It’s easy for me to bowl along with them as they took away the pressure off me,” he said.

“The way they bowl in powerplays is just brilliant. However, I want our fast bowlers to also contribute to the team’s cause so that we become a solid bowling unit,” Kuldeep added.

He further spoke about his role in the Knight Riders team.

“My role has changed with KKR and I’m more of seen as a senior player. Now, I have more responsibilities on my shoulders. It feels good to be associated with a single team right from the start of your career, you become a part of the family which helps you to grow as a player,” he noted.

Kuldeep Yadav has picked up six wickets in seven games so far in IPL 2018. When asked about the season, he said he is looking forward to improving after spending two months on sidelines.

“The season so far has been okay-okay for me as I’ve made a comeback after an injury. I’m playing cricket after a gap of two months. The rhythm is back in my bowling and I’m looking forward to improving it with every game,” he said.

Also, Read: IPL 2018: Match 30, Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils – Toss Report