NEWS
Follow UsWith 13 wickets in 6 games, Kuldeep Yadav is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League this season. After going through three seasons of a rough patch, that saw him benched for the entire duration of 2021 IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep was picked at his base price of 2 Crore and has been magnificent for the 2020 finalists, holding the middle-order straw single-handedly.
On Wednesday, against Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals bowlers put up a stunning show, rambling the Kings in a web of his own. Axar Patel was the star of the show, dismissing Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma, giving away just 10 runs in four overs. However, the commentators decided to give the POTM award to an equally impressive Kuldeep who had a figure of 2//24 in four overs.
“I would like to share this award with Axar. He bowled well and took important wickets in the middle. To be very honest, I have got plenty of confidence this season and I am also mentally clear with my role. I just focus on my line and length and not on what the batter is going to do. I don't watch videos now, when you are very confused you watch videos to see what a batter might do. I am enjoying my bowling after a long time and the credit goes to Rishabh for backing me. That gives a lot of confidence for a bowler and that is a plus point for us,” Yadav said in the post-match presentation.
Detailing the two dismissals, Kuldeep said the Kagiso Rabada wicket was taking inspiration from the latter’s feet movement whereas the Nathan Ellis one was guided by Rishabh Pant. He further added that Axar deserved the Man of the match award more than him.
“I would like to share this award with Axar. He bowled well and took important wickets in the middle. I have played a lot against KG (Rabada) and I know he does not move his feet much, my plan was to bowl one chinaman and then the googly. The second wicket was due to Rishabh telling to bowl from round the wicket,” the UP spinner added.
