Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun shared insights into Kuldeep Yadav’s remarkable comeback, attributing it to a pivotal conversation with former head coach Ravi Shastri. Speaking to the Indian Express, Arun recalled Shastri’s straightforward advice to Kuldeep about shedding excess weight, emphasizing that improved fitness could elevate him to a world-class Test bowler.
“Ravi Shastri told Kuldeep that Boss, this puppy fat you have na has to be melted away… I can’t think of a single reason with improved fitness that you won’t become a world-class Test bowler,” said Bharat Arun.
The former bowling coach believes that Kuldeep Yadav’s leg injury in 2021, followed by rehabilitation, provided him with the necessary time for reflection and improvement. Arun highlighted how the injury compelled Kuldeep to focus on fitness, shedding weight and enhancing his bowling skills during the rehabilitation process.
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“It seems rather silly to say this but that injury, I think, gave him no option but to get fitter. He had to do all the hard rehab work, shed himself of that puppy fat, to continue his dream of playing cricket. And he has obviously worked a lot on his bowling,” Bharat Arun explained.
Arun emphasized the transformation in Kuldeep’s bowling technique, particularly his quicker arm speed, improved hand position at release, and a more energetic approach through the crease. He noted that Kuldeep’s fitness allowed him to maintain a faster and flatter trajectory, making it challenging for batters to read the spin off the pitch.
“Now look at him (Kuldeep), quicker arm-speed, that bustle through the crease, near-perfect hand position at release, and it’s all going in the direction it ought to go – towards the batsman at the other end. With better fitness, his basics (of bowling action) taken care of, he is now actively channeling all his energy at the other end, trying to beat the man there,” Bharat Arun explained.
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In the ongoing Test series against England, Kuldeep Yadav has justified his selection, taking 12 wickets at an average of 22.58 in three Tests, showcasing his improved fitness and refined bowling skills.
