IPL 2021: Harbhajan Singh backs “match-winner” Kuldeep Yadav to come good for KKR and India

Kuldeep hasn't got many chances in the shortest format of the game for KKR and India lately.

By Salman Anjum - 13 Apr, 2021

Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav may not have got many chances in the shortest format of the game for India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the last two years, but veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh does not see anything wrong with his bowling and expects him to bounce back stronger.

The left-arm chinaman bowler has played only 4 T20Is in the past two years, with the last one coming against Sri Lanka in January 2020. On the other hand, Kuldeep featured in only 14 games across the IPL season 2019 and 2020.

See Also: Ashwin, Jadeja better spinning options than Chahal, Kuldeep for T20 World Cup: Monty Panesar

"I don't see anything wrong with Kuldeep's bowling. He's been a match-winner for Team India and for KKR. I'm sure he will come good for KKR and also later on for Team India as well," Harbhajan said at the pre-match press conference ahead of KKR’s clash against Mumbai Indians.

Kuldeep was part of the Indian squads in the recent series against Australia and England. While the 26-year-old played in only one ODI Down Under, he appeared in one Test and two ODIs against England without any notable performance.

"Kuldeep is a big match-winner. Nobody told him how to bowl when he first played for India. He still has the same skill-set which has in fact improved now. It's about time," Harbhajan said.

"He is putting the same efforts. Knowing Kuldeep Yadav, I know he's a hard worker and he will come back strong. This is part and parcel of a player and has happened with many great bowlers."

Harbhajan, who was roped in by KKR for INR 2 crore at the IPL 2021 auction, bowled the first over against SRH on Sunday (April 11) and almost took the prized scalp of David Warner but the left-hander’s catch was dropped by Pat Cummins at point.

"My goal has always been to play cricket. I was a bit nervous initially and then I told myself to relax myself and bowl the way I've been doing all these years. Glad that I bowled that first over well."

Harbhajan did not bowl after the impressive first over and Morgan defended the decision, stating that it had a lot to do with matchups.

"I was waiting to bowl more but it didn't happen. I'm sure going forward I'll be bowling many more overs for KKR and win those small little moments," the Turbanator said.

KKR began their IPL 2021 campaign with a 10-run win over SRH and Harbhajan hoped that they would come good this season.

"We have got all the bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. We have got a great setup of youngsters in batting and bowling. I feel we have a great chance, we just need to back ourselves and set standards high," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 13 Apr, 2021

TAGS