In a remarkable turnaround, Kuldeep Yadav, the wrist spinner for the Indian cricket team, has credited his resurgence to the invaluable lessons learned from Sunil Narine during their time together at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Currently a part of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 season, Kuldeep has been making headlines not only for his performances but also for his insightful reflections on the art of spin bowling.
Kuldeep’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After a stellar international debut, he faced a challenging period post-2019 World Cup, where he struggled with form and found himself out of the national setup. However, 2023 marked a significant change for him, as he not only excelled in the IPL but also secured a crucial role in India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Reflecting on his growth, Kuldeep expressed immense gratitude towards Narine, the West Indies spin wizard, stating, "Sunil taught me the importance of length balling, which has made me a more effective spinner." This lesson, according to Kuldeep, was pivotal in refining his bowling skills, enabling him to regain his spot in the playing eleven for India.
The duo spent significant time together at KKR, where Narine’s influence was profound. Kuldeep noted, "As a bowler, you should aim to dominate the game. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine have consistently done that. I learned a lot from Narine, who was always ahead of his time. He emphasized length bowling, which I initially overlooked, thinking I could rely solely on my skills." This shift in mindset has been crucial for Kuldeep, especially after his return from injury.
In a recent match against Lucknow Super Giants, Kuldeep showcased his improved skills by taking two wickets for just 20 runs, playing a vital role in securing a thrilling one-wicket victory for Delhi Capitals. His performance underscored the significance of his recent learning and adaptation.
"Maintaining a good economy rate in the IPL is incredibly challenging due to the presence of top aggressive batsmen," Kuldeep explained. "It’s a highly competitive tournament. You can take wickets, but expecting to maintain an economy rate of six or seven runs per over is unrealistic with such high-quality players around." This acknowledgment of the challenges faced by bowlers in the IPL reflects Kuldeep’s understanding of the game and the ongoing evolution of his skills.
As he continues to thrive in the IPL, Kuldeep’s partnership with fellow spinner Axar Patel has also been a highlight. He remarked, "Axar and I have been playing together since our Under-17 days, so our understanding on the field is very natural. We communicate clearly, which is crucial for our bowling strategy." This bond has been instrumental in creating pressure on opposing batsmen, often leading to wickets for both bowlers.
Kuldeep’s journey from a promising young talent to a key player for India is a testament to his resilience and the impact of mentorship in sports. His experiences with Narine have not only shaped his bowling technique but also instilled a mindset geared towards excellence.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Kuldeep Yadav to see if he can maintain his impressive form and continue to be a pivotal player for the Delhi Capitals and the Indian national team. With the backing of veteran players like Narine and the support of his current teammates, Kuldeep is poised for a bright future in cricket.
