Team India cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has recently revealed the two challenging batsmen he has bowled to in his career. Yadav, who has consistently been a part of the Indian side across formats has named an Australia and South Africa player as the toughest batsmen to bowl to.
The left-arm leg-spinner rose to prominence following India’s defeat to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in 2017. Since then, he has been a regular feature in the side with batters finding it difficult to pick his variations.
Kuldeep Yadav picks toughest batsmen to bowl
Although Kuldeep Yadav has struggled a lot of batters so far, he picks Steve Smith and AB de Villiers as the toughest batsmen to bowl. He said since Smith plays very late mainly off the backfoot making it difficult to ball to him. On the other hand, he described De Villiers’ playing style very unique.
“Smith plays me mostly off the back foot. He plays the ball very late as well, so it becomes challenging to bowl to him, In ODIs, AB de Villiers is a good player. He has a unique style. Now that he’s retired, it’s a good thing! But other than him, I haven’t found any other batsman who I am sacred he will hit me for a lot of runs,” he said on the latest episode of Cricketbaazi on ESPNCricinfo.Â
The wrist-spinner who had a lean form during the 2019 IPL said he lacked skills and his inconsistency in playing the matches affected his form. However, he came back strong during India’s 2019 World Cup campaign. Kuldeep Yadav mentioned in the interview how being in and out of the side affects the confidence of a player.
“I prepared really well before leaving for the World Cup 2019 because I wanted to overcome my failure in IPL that year. Even though I didn’t pick up many wickets, I think I bowled well at the World Cup,” he said.
“After that, I have been in and out of the team. If you are playing regularly, your confidence is high. If not, you are always under pressure to perform in the chances you get and your mind stays cluttered. I probably was at fault with my skills as well.” added Kuldeep.
