KKR vs DC: Want To Thank KKR From The Bottom Of My Heart - Kuldeep Yadav

Delhi Capitals spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav said he learnt a lot at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in his long-term with the franchise. The left-arm wrist-spinner made his IPL debut for KKR against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2016.

He claimed the wicket of New Zealand player Mitchell McClenaghan as his first IPL wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav’s snub at KKR in the last two IPL seasons

Kuldeep made a great spin combination with Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla in the first few seasons of the IPL. His best season was in 2017 when he snapped 17 wickets at an average of 24.68.

However, in the last two seasons, Kuldeep didn’t get enough opportunities to play for KKR. In IPL 2020, Kuldeep picked just one wicket from the first five games and was dropped from the team for the rest of the season.

The Uttar Pradesh spinner warmed the bench throughout the entire season of IPL 2021 and was subsequently released ahead of IPL 2022 auction.

I was part of KKR for eight years and learnt a lot from there: Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep was sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore, the spinner is very keen to prove his credentials for his new franchise as he has amassed 10 wickets in four games of IPL 2022 so far and his match-winning figures of 4/35 against KKR on Sunday was a statement of his resilience.

“I was part of KKR for eight years and learnt a lot from there. Want to thank KKR from the bottom of my heart. Obviously, when you have been part of a franchise for so many years, you want to make a mark against them. I have learnt a lot there and I am applying the same now.

“I am really happy with my performance (against KKR),” Kuldeep told DC teammate Shardul Thakur in a video posted on IPL’s official website. 

“I haven’t changed a lot about my bowling, but I have got some rhythm going. I am enjoying the company of players like you (Thakur). There are a lot of youngsters in the team. The captain is also quite young and there is Axar (Patel) as well, with whom I have played quite a lot.

“The atmosphere and the vibes are very good. If you do well in the first match, you just want to carry on in the same vein. So, I just want to continue bowling the good line and lengths,” he added. 

Delhi Capitals won by 44 runs as Kuldeep’s excellent spell helped them bowl out Knight Riders for 171 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: KKR vs DC: “Rishabh Pant Informed Me I Was Next, So I Went In,” Shardul Thakur Says Of Sarfaraz Khan’s Inability To Bat