Kuldeep Yadav attributed his resurgence and development as a left-arm wrist-spinner to the guidance of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Reflecting on his time at the NCA over two years ago, Kuldeep recalled receiving invaluable advice from Rohit.
According to the Indian captain, Kuldeep’s trajectory lacked the necessary flatness to trouble batsmen. Rohit encouraged him to focus on pushing through the crease to deceive batsmen and emphasized the importance of increasing his pace to outwit opponents attempting to anticipate his deliveries off the pitch.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Kuldeep Yadav shared his thoughts on his rapport with Rohit Sharma:
“He was there at the NCA when I was there rehabbing and then bowling. He would say, ‘When I stand at slip, I feel the batsmen have enough time to play you off the pitch.’ And He said I needed to get more energy through the action and that the batsman shouldn’t get the time to play me. If the batter thinks he can get onto the back foot to play me off the pitch, the ball should rush to hit the stumps or the pad.”
Kuldeep Yadav also stated that Rohit’s vocal encouragement, as captured by the stump mic, is simply the Indian captain’s way of demonstrating his concern for the team. He expressed gratitude to Rohit for supporting him and mentioned that the experienced opener is providing him with advice to enhance his batting skills.
Kuldeep Yadav discussing his batting skills
Kuldeep Yadav not only took 19 wickets but also made valuable contributions with the bat during the Test series. His significant innings came in Ranchi, where he scored 28 runs off 131 balls in a vital 76-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel. This partnership rescued India from a precarious situation and prevented England from establishing a substantial lead. Here’s Kuldeep’s perspective on his batting:
“The team management told me I have a lot of batting skills but didn’t put any pressure on me that I had to score runs. If I can contribute to the team in crucial situations in Test cricket, then the game changes, Vicky Paaji (Vikram Rathour) made me bat a lot.”
Kuldeep has recorded six half-centuries and a century in first-class cricket. Enhancing his batting skills could elevate his significance within the Test team, even in away matches.
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