Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming IPL season slated to be held in India. He has not performed to the best of his potential in last two seasons which has seen him dip his form. Kuldeep’s form has declined considerably since the IPL 2019 edition in India. In the last two seasons, he has played only 14 games and picked up 5 wickets. The Indian spinner missed out on playing the Test series in Australia overseas, however, against England he is expected to play a key role at home.
In a recent conversation with Kolkata Knight Riders after he was retained, Kuldeep Yadav opened up on his future with the side and what he is looking forward to in the next IPL season.
Kuldeep Yadav Praises Gautam Gambhir
The Making of Kuldeep Yadav | Sunday Special Premiere
📽️ In this episode of #IAmAKnight, @imkuldeep18 tell us about becoming a chinaman bowler, his memories with #KKR and a lot more…#KKR #IPL2021 #Cricket #KuldeepYadavhttps://t.co/qyQzpO6MUV
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 31, 2021
Also Read: Ajit Agarkar Surprised At Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion From Gabba Test
He spoke about how KKR roped him in after the 2014 U-19 World Cup and how Gautam Gambhir mentored him during his early days with the franchise.
“I was a senior player during the 2014 U19 World Cup and performances happened exactly according to expectations. From there I was selected for KKR and life changed drastically. I got plenty of time in KKR. There were a lot of senior players, especially Gautam Gambhir” said Kuldeep Yadav.
He further said that he looks up to Gautam Gambhir as his mentor and someone who taught him the basics of the game.
“I always keep thanking him. He guided me as a leader and taught me everything. Even before I was about to play in the Champions League, he advised me what to bowl, how to hone my skills and become a confident player” Kuldeep added.
The Indian spinner recalled the times when he forged a formidable trio with Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla in the side. Now, while Chawla has been released by the franchise, Narine’s action is questioned time to time.
After he was retained by KKR, he spoke to Star Sports saying that he was surprised at this move by the franchise. For the last two seasons, Kuldeep sat on the sidelines more than he played.
“I am a little surprised about Kuldeep Yadav being retained because he did not get the opportunities. I would have wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav go to a franchise where he gets an opportunity to play. Because if you are playing for India and not part of your franchise’s playing XI, it is somewhere or the other be harmful to your career” he said.
In IPL 2017 and 2018, he accounted for a total of 29 scalps, marking his two best seasons for the franchise so far.
Also Read: England Series Will Be Kuldeep Yadav’s Time To Bowl: Bowling Coach Bharat Arun
