India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav had a fabulous outing in the recently concluded IPL 2022, taking 21 wickets in 14 matches while playing for Delhi Capitals (DC). He was the season's fourth-highest wicket-taker, marking a stunning comeback in the event following a difficult few years with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kuldeep was once a key member of Team India in all three formats and was instrumental in the side's epic Test series victory over Australia in 2018/19. He played the fourth and last test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings (5/99), which allowed India to have the upper hand over the match. Later, rain enforced a draw and India went on to win the series 2-1.
The 27-year-old recently recalled having a conversation with the late Shane Warne before the Sydney Test. He revealed that Warne gave him a piece of advice before the match.
“Before the match started, we met in the tunnel. He put his hand on my shoulder, and said, 'I'll be in the commentary box. I want to see you smiling out there, I don't care how you bowl. I just want to see a smile on your face. So, all I tried to do out there was to smile. And because I was there with a positive mindset, I performed well as well. I dedicated my performance to him after the game, he has been my idol,” Kuldeep told Sports Yaari.
“He was out there, sitting in the box. And I had taken five wickets. It was a big moment for me. I learned by watching him play,” he added further.
The Kanpur-born cricketer will make his comeback in the forthcoming T20I series against South Africa, which kicks off on June 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
(SportsYaari Inputs)
