Kuldeep Yadav’s journey in international cricket has been a roller-coaster ride. Once hailed as India’s premier Test spinner, he found himself down the pecking order in recent times. However, the ongoing series against England has showcased a different facet of his game – his batting.
Known for his charming loop and old-world speeds, Kuldeep has often mesmerized fans with his bowling skills. But in this series, he has shown that he can contribute with the bat as well. His innings in Rajkot and Ranchi highlighted his ability to anchor the innings and bat with resilience.
In Rajkot, Kuldeep played a crucial knock of 27 off 91 balls, providing stability to the lower order. His measured innings allowed India to build a substantial lead. In Ranchi, on a challenging pitch, Kuldeep’s defensive game came to the fore as he faced 131 balls for his 28 runs, supporting Dhruv Jurel and helping India narrow the gap to England’s first-innings total.
Kuldeep’s batting prowess didn’t develop overnight. His childhood coach Kapil Pandey has played a significant role in honing his skills. Pandey recalls how Kuldeep approached him before the series, expressing his desire to work on his batting. This positive approach has paid dividends, with Kuldeep facing 293 balls in this series alone, showcasing his improved batting technique and temperament.
Pravin Amre, Kuldeep’s coach at Delhi Capitals, highlights his tactical acumen, noting how Kuldeep visualizes taking singles in the nets and focuses on winning situations rather than personal milestones. This mindset has helped Kuldeep evolve into a more complete cricketer, capable of contributing in all facets of the game.
As Kuldeep continues to impress with both bat and ball in the ongoing series, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to become a valuable all-rounder for India. His journey from being a promising spinner to a reliable batsman reflects his dedication and determination to succeed at the highest level. With a Test match still to go, there’s more to come from Kuldeep, and his evolution into an all-rounder is a testament to his talent and hard work.
