Opinions are divided on whether sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), should be held behind closed doors once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The latest cricketer to explain his opinion on cricket being played behind the doors is Kuldeep Yadav.
The chinaman bowler highlighted the benefit for the bowlers when the game will be played behind the doors. He believes that batsmen need spectators to get that extra push while the bowlers will deliver with less pressure on the shoulders.
It gives an extra edge for the bowlers – Kuldeep Yadav
The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sporting events across the world, including the Tokyo Olympics, the biggest of them all.
During the chat session with Boria Majumdar, Kuldeep Yadav added that big players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers feel it odd playing in front of empty stands at Bangalore.
“One interesting point is, any bowler would love this (playing behind closed doors). When the stands are full, it is easy for any batsman to come over (and play his shots) and empty stands would be a bonus for any bowler. What I think it is good for bowlers.” Kuldeep said.
“Suppose it is playing against RCB at Chinnaswamy stadium which is always full. Then players like Virat Bhai and AB (de Villiers) probably go against any attack. So if you are playing in empty stands, it gives you an extra edge over the batsmen. So empty stands make bowlers more comfortable,” he added.
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Ever since breaking into the Indian team in 2017, Kuldeep has had a fair amount of success, featuring in six Tests, 60 ODIs, 21 T20Is and scalping a total of 167 wickets. But last year, he looked off-colour and had quite a disappointing IPL season for Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was dropped from the final eleven in the middle of the season.
