With Australia doing all possible preparation to counter the threat posed by Kuldeep Yadav in the upcoming five-match ODI series, the chinaman spinner has insisted he is not worried at all.
Kuldeep had run riot on his debut in the Dharamsala Test against Steve Smith & Co., dismissing the likes of David Warner and Glenn Maxwell as he took four wickets in the first innings to pave the way for India’s series-clinching win. And with the left-arm spinner looking in fine form in the last few series, Australia have roped in a similar type of bowler – KK Jiyas to prepare for Kuldeep. However, with the visitors doing all they can to negate Kuldeep’s effect, the youngster is confident he can still put up a good performance.
“No doubt the Australian batsmen will be going through the videos and practicing various tactics to counter my bowling. However, I am unperturbed by them and am concentrating on my basics. My focus is on controlling the ball and working on my strengths. They faced me during the Tests and know how I ball, but the pressure will be on them to counter me,” Kuldeep told The Indian Express.
“I have no worries as long as I turn the ball both ways, if I flight or deceive the batsman, No matter how many videos or how many bowlers he faces at nets it won’t make a difference. I am not bowling any mystery ball, my basics are normal and hence I like to keep things simple,” he added.
In the recent overseas ODI series, the team-management had put the faith in wrist spinners and Kuldeep has backed the idea, saying:
“Wrist spinners are an asset for any team. They can pick wickets. So it is an opportunity unity for us to develop under the leadership of Virat Kohli and guidance of Ravi Shastri.”
The 22-year old also had some word of praise for his senior teammates Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
“Mahi bhai and Virat bhai support me a lot. As a spinner and a bowler, Kohli bhai gives complete freedom, something which is needed by youngsters. Behind the stumps, Mahi bhai keeps talking to me during a game and gives me crucial insights. There can be nothing better for a youngster than having the guidance of the two senior-most players in a team and I am proud to play under them,” he said.