Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik applauded Kuldeep Yadav for registering another match-winning performance with the ball in the win over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup as well. He was the Player of the Match in India’s dominant nine-wicket win over the UAE in their Asia Cup opener with figures of 4/7 in 2.1 overs as well.
Talking about Kuldeep Yadav in a post-game conversation with Cricbuzz, Karthik said, “Right from the 2024 World Cup, he was so good in that campaign. And after that, he has not looked back. He took his place from Chahal and he has almost cemented his place in the team. He has been very reliable and is someone you can trust on to pick wickets and even control the run rate if you want. ou’ve seen him grow as a player even in the IPL. He has become the spearhead for DC. All he required was a chance and once he got it, he did what he could.”
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“It tells you about the work ethics he has. When he wasn’t playing in England as well, he trained hard, doing whatever it takes to be a successful international cricketer. And that’s all you can do. When given an opportunity, he shows you what a champion he is because a lot of people were asking if we needed the extra spinner instead of Arshdeep. But the fact is he has come in and shown why he is so highly rated by the Indian support staff and the management, which is very good on his part,” he shared again.
Dinesh Karthik also backed India to continue with the same playing XI for their final Group A game against Oman on September 19 as well. Team India have also excluded Arshdeep Singh in their first two matches of the tournament, opting for batting up to No. 8 as well.
“It’s worth having the conversation with Bumrah and asking him if he wants to take a break. If Bumrah says no and that he is a bit rusty and wants to bowl a little more, let him go. If he says no, I am happy, you can play Arshdeep if you want. What is Arshdeep going to gain though? When you play against an Oman, apart from the fact that you just get a game, there’s not too much that you can gain. So if Bumrah says I am happy to be rested, no problem. Otherwise, I would still play with this team if Bumrah is happy to play,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.
