Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has revealed how he modified his bowling style to overcome an injury and regain his form. Kuldeep has been in outstanding form in the Asia Cup 2023, taking crucial wickets for India in consecutive victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Kuldeep explained that his previous bowling action had put too much strain on his knee, which was a concern after his injury.
To address this, the chinaman bowler made changes to his run-up, opting for a straighter approach. This adjustment allowed him to bowl at higher speeds while keeping his body positioned slightly behind the ball, resulting in a smoother and more rhythmic action.
“When I was injured, our physio advised me to avoid putting too much load on my knee. At that time, I didn’t know how to do it. After a few months of recovery, I started to quicken my run-up and maintain a straighter line, which helped me. I became more aggressive, and my rhythm improved. It didn’t come naturally; it took about 5-6 months. Sometimes during the IPL, I would lose my rhythm and miss my steps, so it wasn’t easy,” Kuldeep Yadav said.
ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh Applauds KL Rahul’s Sublime Form In Asia Cup 2023
Kuldeep Yadav also shared his game plan for bowling to both left- and right-handed batsmen. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the right length and line to restrict the batsmen’s scoring opportunities and keep them from freeing their arms.
“Now that I have regained my rhythm, I focus more on the length I should bowl. I emphasize good-length deliveries, whether I am facing a left-handed or right-handed batsman. The line is crucial too. In white-ball cricket, if you allow a batsman too much room, he can easily connect his shots. My aim is to restrict the batsman, bowl at the stumps, and prevent him from freeing his arms. The target is to bowl a good length and keep the batsman under control,” Kuldeep Yadav explained.
Regarding India’s spin combination for the upcoming ODI World Cup, Kuldeep expressed confidence in their current setup. Despite not having an off-spinner in the squad, Kuldeep believes that their spinners, including himself, are versatile enough to handle various situations.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra applauds Rohit Sharma for being one of the fastest to reach the 10000 ODI runs
“I consider myself a classic leg-spinner, even though I bowl with my left hand. I have variations and a googly in my arsenal. I don’t think you necessarily need an off-spinner. If your team’s combination is well-balanced, you don’t need to play multiple spinners. Two quality spinners are usually enough,” Kuldeep Yadav said.
Kuldeep’s adaptation and renewed form make him a valuable asset for India as they prepare for the ODI World Cup on home soil.
