IND vs SA: Kuldeep Yadav Is Happy With The Return Of Hardik Pandya
Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian spinner, is pleased to see the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, return to the Indian circuit after his recent troubles with fitness. The 27-year-old Kuldeep, who has suffered from a number of ailments in recent years, made a great recovery in the IPL 2022, finishing as the season’s fifth-best wicket-taker.
The wrist-spinner played in all 14 league stage matches for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals after being signed for Rs 2 crore in the 2022 mega auctions. He removed 21 opposing batters. Because of this strong performance, he was able to keep his spot in the 18-man Indian squad that will face South Africa in the upcoming T20I series.
Hardik Pandya will also make his comeback in the home matches against the Temba Bavuma-led side after a nearly seven-month absence. Pandya, who captained Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title, last represented India against Namibia in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match in November of last year.
Hardik Pandya Led Gujarat Titans Calmly: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep was overjoyed to see one of his Indian teammates return to the national team. Kuldeep acknowledged his excitement at Pandya’s return and recent exploits in an interview with Sports Yaari, saying: “I’m very happy that he is 100% fit. It has been a very tough time for Hardik. He had his back injury, he couldn’t bowl, he lost a lot of weight as well. I know how a player makes a comeback after injury, so my support was directed towards him. I’m very happy with his performances now.”
“Gujarat Titans weren’t a very big team, but the way he handled the pressure and took the team along together, the credit must go to him. He led the team calmly. It’s a good sign for the Indian team and, obviously, a good sign for us. We (KulCha) are definitely happy with his return. I want him to return to XI and play soon,” Kuldeep Yadav further said.
Hardik’s absence from the team also resulted in the loss of the Indian team’s famous ‘KulCha’ tandem – Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal. Pandya’s presence in the XI allowed both spinners to play together because of his superb all-around abilities. As a result, Kuldeep acknowledged that the return of Pandya is wonderful news for them as well as the Indian squad.
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