In recent times, it has been interesting to see the transition of Indian spin-duo from R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to the leggies Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in the limited-overs format. It has also raised questions about the inclusion of Ashwin and Jadeja’s inclusion in the 2019 World Cup team, but chinaman Kuldeep Yadav begs to differ.
Speaking to CricketNext, Kuldeep said, “I have no idea where this comparison comes from. Yes, Chahal and I have done decently in the limited-overs format, but that does not mean we are competing with Ashwin and Jadeja. Just look at their numbers and what they have done. We are just starting out and for me, I look up to them as mentors. In fact, they keep telling me how to go about doing my job in different match situations. Let us get this straight that they are not competition at all.”
Interestingly, as the Lankan Test series starts, the wicket-keeping position will be replaced by Wriddhiman Saha and Kuldeep might miss MS Dhoni’s guidance from behind the wicket. Talking about the same, Yadav said, “Saha is just as good. He keeps guiding you with little inputs. But obviously, Dhoni is in a class of his own. With him, you just need to do 40 percent of the job. The rest of the 60 percent he does it for you. He is so good that he can read the batsman’s mind even before you bowl. While people love comparisons, I would say they are both very calm and that makes the job of the bowler easier.”
Speaking of jobs, Kuldeep has always been a Virat Kohli’s go-to-man when the opposition batsmen are sending bowls over the boundary.Praising Kohli for the same, Kuldeep said, “The best part is that he never stops you from experimenting and learning new things. He wants you to in fact keep evolving and getting better. And when you know the captain has your back, you need no second invitation to go out and express yourself. To be honest, every moment in this team is like spending time with your own people — family.”
Yadav signed off by sharing they are taking one match at a time and not thinking of the upcoming South Africa tour next year. He said, “One series at a time, please. Right now, let us focus on the Sri Lanka series. We can talk about South Africa after this one ends. No long-term goal settings happening here. I take things as they come and live in the present.”
