Former India opener turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Kuldeep Yadav for bowling an impressive spell in England’s first innings of the second Test against India despite getting limited chances in the Test format. However, Kuldeep Yadav registered figures of 3/71 and he supported well to Jasprit Bumrah (6/45) as India bowled England out for 253 on Day 2 (Saturday) in Visakhapatnam. The Indian team then ended the day at 28 for no loss in their second innings, with a lead of 171 runs.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra added: “Kuldeep Yadav has made a comeback. The interesting thing is that Kuldeep Yadav is played one Test in a year. They don’t play him much. He was the Player of the Match the last time he played and was dropped in the next match. After that, he was never played.”
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He further added: “Now when he was played, he has picked up three wickets and bowled extremely well. He dismissed Ben Duckett at the start and absolutely foxed (Ben) Foakes. He was slightly lucky in Rehan Ahmed’s dismissal. The ball hit very low on his bat and went into (Shubman) Gill’s hands but Kuldeep did his job.”
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav gave Team India the initial breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett. He later removed Ben Foakes and had Rehan Ahmed caught by Shubman Gill at midwicket as well. And, Aakash Chopra also praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for reaching his double century earlier in the day as well.
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“This boy (Jaiswal) is extremely special. You don’t want to let go of an opportunity when you have come through struggles. That’s why you see him play differently. However, the good thing is that he doesn’t get overawed by the occasion. You don’t want to make a mistake when you are nearing a milestone because you have longed so much for it. Despite that, he is bold and fearless. He reached his century with a six and completed the journey from 190 to 200 quickly with a six and a four,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
