During the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai, Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav encountered former Manchester United superstar footballer David Beckham. They engaged in a candid conversation about Yadav’s passion for football.
Kuldeep asserted his Barcelona fandom but admitted to Beckham that he previously supported Manchester United due to players like Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. Additionally, he shared his aspiration to transition into football management after retiring from cricket.
In an interview with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Kuldeep Yadav discussed his conversation with David Beckham, highlighting these points.
“I met him after the game (2023 WC against SL) and told him that I used to watch Manchester United because of Paul Scholes. I spoke a bit too directly (laughs). I also told him that I am a huge Gary Neville fan and requested him to let him know whenever he meets him. I told that after I finish my career I probably want to try being a football manager.”
Kuldeep Yadav also conveyed his eagerness to support the development of Indian football, whether through providing resources or any other means. He aims to establish his own football academy as well.
Kuldeep Yadav on commencing his career as a left-arm fast bowler
Kuldeep Yadav disclosed that during his younger days in age-group cricket, he played as a left-arm fast bowler, inspired by former Pakistani pace legend Wasim Akram.
However, his childhood coach Kapil Pandey observed his stature and believed that transitioning to spin bowling would offer better prospects for his development.
On this, Kuldeep conveyed: “I watched Wasim Akram during the 2003 World Cup and I admired him so much that I wanted to be a left-arm fast bowler. But then once my coach Kapil Pandey asked me what my father’s height was. He then realized that maybe since my father was short I also may not become quite tall so instead of fast bowling, I changed into being a spinner.”
Kuldeep started bowling left-arm wrist-spin, and his standout performances at the Under-19 level grabbed the attention of the five-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, as far back as 2012. Detailing his entry into the Mumbai Indians setup, Kuldeep said:
“I was playing against Mumbai in U19 and I got six wickets and scored 75 runs. Then Rahul Sanghvi bhai (Cricket Management, Mumbai Indians) called me for a one-to-one trial and then I signed a contract with Mumbai Indians. I also bowled to Paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) in the nets and it was a big occasion for me. I got him out too.”
Since IPL 2022, Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as a crucial asset for the Delhi Capitals. Similarly, his fortunes have taken a positive turn in the Indian team, with him steadily earning a regular spot across different formats.
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