Asia Cup 2023: Rejuvenated Kuldeep Yadav unveils secret behind his improved version

Colombo, Sep 13: India's chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been impressive with the ball in the Super 4 games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

After picking up a fifer defending a mammoth total against Pakistan, Kuldeep proved his mettle by grabbing a four-for in a low-scoring game against Sri Lanka to help his team qualify for the final.

Kuldeep Yadav improved bowling action in Asia Cup 2023

The Uttar Pradesh tweaker - who has had his fair share of ups and downs in his career - completed 150 scalps in the 50-over format during the Sri Lanka match on Tuesday (September 12). He seem to have redefined his game lately and signs were visible during his IPL 2023 performance for Delhi Capitals.

Kuldeep has worked on his bowling action since making his comeback from injury and that is helping the wrist-spinner get more turns/revolutions. About his changed bowling action Kuldeep said, "Of course, when I was injured, then our physio said that whatever happens, I should not have a load on my knee. I didn't know how to do that.

"Two or three months passed, and I was recovering slowly. I started my run-up more quickly, and I didn't cut my angle. Then slowly, I started thinking about bowling straight, and it was easier for me."

Kuldeep Yadav reflects on his changed attitude

The 28-year-old cricketer from Kanpur further said that he has now become more aggressive and his rhythm has got better. "I have become more aggressive, and my rhythm has become better. It didn't come naturally; it took about 5-6 months. Sometimes in the IPL, I was breaking my rhythm, and I was missing my stepping, so it wasn't easy," he added further.

Kuldeep also opened up about the challenges he faced during his recovery period, the adjustments he made to his approach, and his game plan when facing both left-handed and right-handed batsmen.

He further added "After 6-7 months, I got my proper rhythm, and now it has become easier to bowl. So we always talk about the length, and the more a spinner bowls, the more experience he gets. So I don't think that much about getting a wicket now. I think more about how my length should be.

"I'm focusing more on good length deliveries, whether it is a lefty or a righty. And along with that, the line matters as well. The way the white ball format is, the more room you give the batsman to free his arms, the easier it is for him to bat."

When asked about what his game plan is against a left-handed or right-handed batsman, he said "So I always think about locking the batsman, bowl at the stumps, whether it's a lefty or righty, to keep him locked and bowl at the stumps. He shouldn't get an opportunity to free his arms because if he does, it is easy for him to connect his shots. But the target is to bowl at a good length and keep him locked."

Kuldeep Yadav on whether Team India need an off-spinner

The wrist-spinner also shared his perspective on the role of off-spinners in the team and if there is actually a need for an off-spin bowler in the ODI side. Kuldeep claimed he has a lot of variations in his arsenal, like an off-spinner, hence the team doesn't really need one.

"I don't think of myself as an off-spinner; I think of myself as a classic leg-spinner. The only thing is I bowl from the left hand. I have variations and a googly as well. So I don't think you need to have an off-spinner. If your team's combination is sitting well, then you don't need to play 3-4 spinners. If you have two quality spinners, then I think that works," he signed off.

Team India will now take on Bangladesh in the last Super 4 encounter in Asia Cup 2023 on September 15. Catch all the action 3.00 pm (IST) onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.