Kuldeep took only 4 wickets in 9 games for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019.
India wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav endured a disappointing IPL 2019 season. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, he claimed only 4 wickets in 9 games. In fact, the chinaman bowler was dropped from the last few games owing to poor form.
Kuldeep, who is expected to be a vital cog in India’s World Cup campaign, was disappointed with his lacklustre performance during the cash-rich league. Such was the disappointment that he literally broke down during the field of play against RCB at Eden Gardens, after being hit for 27 runs in an over by Moeen Ali.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Kuldeep reflected on that moment and said: “I wasn’t negative but wasn’t positive either at that time. When I was hit for so many runs in that over I was very disappointed. I knew I could get him (Moeen) out and we had a plan too but I just couldn’t execute it. The game slipped out of our grasp because of that over and that’s why I was very emotional.”
He also revealed that the former India captain MS Dhoni called him and told to not lose confidence after one poor season.
“...Then Mahi bhai (Dhoni) passed on a message that I shouldn’t lose confidence, I need to focus on my game and that really helped me a lot. He has always been a pillar of support ever since I made my debut. People only talk about how he helps us from behind the stumps but it’s actually the work, the advice he gives us in-between or after the matches, that does a world of good,” Kuldeep asserted.
Dhoni was not the only senior India player who encouraged Kuldeep during the tough phase. India vice-captain Rohit Sharma too made sure to check on him.
“During the match against Mumbai Indians, Rohit walked up to me and motivated me a lot even though I was not playing. I didn’t have the chance to meet Virat bhai after that match but we met earlier in the season, he always points out the things I need to improve. We are all like a family and that doesn’t change even during the IPL,” the 24-year-old added.
Kuldeep believes his uninspiring performance in the IPL won’t have any impact during the World Cup in England and Wales.
“It won’t have any effect. ODIs are a lot different than T20s, franchise cricket and international cricket are not the same either. The break (during IPL) actually helped me a lot, I have been working hard in the nets and now my confidence is back,” he said.
Pitches in England are expected to be flat during the World Cup but Kuldeep is confident of deceiving the batsmen in the air.
“My strength is to turn the ball and I will stick to that. I know the wickets won’t assist the spinners much but I will try and deceive the batsman in the air,” he remarked.
The World Cup starts on May 30 with South Africa taking on hosts England, while the two-time World champions India begin their campaign on June 5 against the Proteas at Southampton.