IPL 2018: Kuldeep Yadav wants himself to be known as classic spinner and not as mystery spinner

Kuldeep is currently playing IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kuldeep Yadav | IANS

Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has kept the batsmen in doubt with his spin. He is considered as one of the best mystery spinners currently.

But speaking to India TV, Kuldeep said he doesn't want himself to be remembered as a mystery spinner. He wants himself to be called as a classic spinner.

"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 said.

When asked about any new variation in his bowling, he said: "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."

"I'm more used to making small changes in my wrist position and pace to bamboozle the batsmen."

Kuldeep is a big asset for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has delivered for them now and then. KKR are relied on their spin unit Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep. The young chinaman bowler said Narine and Chawla make his job easy for KKR. "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."

"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.

Kuldeep was bought by KKR in 2016. He has been an integral part of the franchise since then. Talking about his relationship with the team, he said, "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."

The unorthodox spinner also spoke about the chances of KKR to qualify in top 4. He said: "The upcoming matches are important for us as we are still in top four in the points table. To qualify for the playoffs, we need to perform better as a team and improve in all the departments." 

Kuldeep had to sit out because of injury for two months. He has finally got his rhythm back. "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." 

The Uttar Pradesh cricketer shared the experience of playing under a new skipper, Dinesh Karthik. "I share a very good rapport and understanding with Karthik as he allows me to set my own field. We have played together for India and that helps. As a wicketkeeper-captain, Karthik manages the team brilliantly and keeps faith in his slow ball bowlers."

"He doesn't fear to bowl us in the powerplay which is a very good sign," he said. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 01 May, 2018

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