IPL 2022: WATCH - “I would like to share this award with Akshar," Kuldeep after winning MOTM against PBKS

Akshar Patel returned with an exceptional figures of 2/10.

Akshar Patel | BCCI/ IPL

Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner Kuldeep Yadav on Wednesday (20th April) said that he would like this to share his Man-of-the-Match award that he won against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Match 32nd of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 with fellow spinner Akshar Patel. 

Kuldeep and Akshar played a pivotal role in DC’s dominating 9-wicket win over PBKS. The duo combined to pick four wickets and helped their side bundle out the opposition for just 115 runs. 

While the wrist-spinner returned with the figures of 2/24 and took wickets of Kagiso Rabada and Nathan Ellis, the off-spinner removed in-form Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma to return with the figures of 2/10. 

Read Also: Bowlers, openers shine in Delhi Capitals’ resounding win over Punjab Kings

Kuldeep was adjudged Man of the Match and many argued against the decision, saying that Akshar deserved the award as he removed two in-form batters and was more economical. 

However, the wrist-spinner won the hearts of many when he during the post-match presentation said that he would like to share his Man of the Match award with Akshar. He also talked about the two wickets he took in the match. 

“I would like to share this award with Akshar. He bowled well and took important wickets in the middle. I have played a lot against KG (Rabada) and I know he does not move his feet much, my plan was to bowl one chinaman and then the googly. The second wicket was due to Rishabh telling to bowl from round the wicket,” Kuldeep Yadav said. 

Kuldeep said that he’s high on confidence this season and is mentally clear with his role and focuses on his line and length. 

“To be very honest, I have got plenty of confidence this season and I am also mentally clear with my role. I just focus on my line and length and not on what the batter is going to do. I don't watch videos now, when you are very confused you watch videos to see what a batter might do,” he said. 

Read Also: BCCI changes venue for DC v RR match from Pune to Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Kuldeep, who is enjoying his bowling, credited skipper Pant for backing him. 

“I am enjoying my bowling after a long time and the credit goes to Rishabh for backing me. That gives a lot of confidence for a bowler and that is a plus point for us,” he said. 

Coming to the match, after DC bundled out PBKS for 115 runs, openers David Warner (60*) and Prithvi Shaw (41) came out all guns blazing and scored 83 runs for the opening partnership. The southpaw along with Sarfaraz Khan (12*) then closed the game for their team with 57 balls to spare. 

 
 

By Ankitjit Singh - 20 Apr, 2022

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