The Story
The emergence of Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, has been a great revelation for Team India in the ongoing India vs Australia T20I series.
Not only this has helped Kohli and the management get familiar with a promising young talent, as they look forward to building a strong team for the 2019 World Cup, but also has given many experts an opportunity to think of a Ravichandran Ashwin successor coming to the fore.
The Australians have found it very tough to figure out his bowling style in the ongoing bilateral series. The fact has been evident that he has taken 18 wickets in the limited-overs series so far, including a hattrick. He has truly become India’s latest spin sensation.
Staying Grounded is the Key
Kuldeep Yadav is definitely enjoying the early success, but is also wary of getting carried away by it. This fact reflected in his thoughts when he was asked if he was ready to replace Ashwin and Jadeja.
“I don’t think of that far. Both Ash and Jaddu bhai have been consistent performers for India in all the three formats. There’s no question of thinking about replacing them,” Yadav told reporters on the eve of the second T20I here.
India successfully employed two wrist spinners – Yuzvendra Chahal and Yadav – in the limited overs-series. The two played a key role in helping the side win the ODI series 4-1 and also take a 1-0 advantage in the ongoing three-match T20I series.
“We are very young, and there’s a lot of cricket left in us. It has never crossed my mind,” the 22-year-old added.
Yadav has been a sort of mystery for the Aussies so far, but the youngster refused to adopt any such tags.
“I’m not a mystery bowler who will bowl from different hands. Obviously, after two-three years they will pick you, and it becomes easy for them. For me, if your basics like alignment and accuracy are right, it becomes easy for you.
“For me, it does not matter if someone tries to pick you from video analysis. If you bowl in right areas, have good variations, landing on the spot and beating the batsmen in the air, no matter how many times you see the video it won’t matter,” Yadav, who credited Aussie duo of Brad Hogg and Shane Warne for his transformation, said.
All updates of India v Australia T20I series.