Kuldeep Yadav recently shared a touching moment with Ravichandran Ashwin during the Dharamsala Test, expressing how he felt settled after England’s dismissal. His consistent inclusion in the playing eleven throughout the series has significantly boosted his confidence and sharpened his game awareness. Debuting in 2017, Kuldeep’s sporadic appearances in the past seven years totaled only 12 Test matches, with four consecutive ones in the ongoing series against England.
His standout performance on the first day of the fifth Test, claiming five top-order wickets, underscores the impact of regular play on his bowling prowess. Kuldeep emphasizes the importance of consistent play in enhancing confidence and game understanding, reflecting on his tally of 17 wickets in the series and eagerly anticipating opportunities to increase it further.
Reflecting on his journey, Kuldeep acknowledges the challenges he faced, including sporadic Test opportunities, a dip in form, and a knee surgery that required technical adjustments to regain his rhythm. He mentions experimenting with his run-up, particularly in Ranchi, to adapt to different pitch conditions, crediting his improved fitness for enabling him to sustain productive spells.
Following his knee surgery in September 2021, Kuldeep prioritized fitness, increasing his pace and refining his run-up, which he attributes to his ability to make effective bowling adjustments and sustain long spells. Kuldeep emphasizes the critical role of fitness in bowling, noting the significant changes he’s been able to implement due to his targeted fitness regimen over the past 18 months.
His five-wicket haul against England, which contributed to their dismissal for 218 runs on a challenging track, underscores the effectiveness of his improved fitness in executing his bowling plans. At the day-end media conference, Kuldeep highlights the correlation between fitness and bowling performance, underscoring his dedication to enhancing his physical condition to excel in his craft.
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