Follow UsSanjay Manjrekar had a tongue-in-cheek dig at the Indian team management after Kuldeep Yadav produced a match-winning spell in India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE in Dubai on September 10 (Wednesday). The left-arm wristspinner ripped through the UAE batting, finishing with stunning figures of 4/7 in just 2.1 overs as India bundled them out for 57 and chased down the target in 4.3 overs.
At 47/2 after eight overs, the UAE looked steady before Kuldeep blew the game open. In a single over, he dismissed Rahul Chopra, Muhammad Waseem, and Harshit Kaushik to shatter the middle order. He later returned to claim the final wicket of Haider Ali, wrapping up the innings inside 13.1 overs.
Just like Jasprit Bumrah, this was Kuldeep’s first T20I since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa in June last year. The Indian management had recently faced criticism for benching him throughout the five-Test series in England despite his impressive record across formats. Known for his exceptional numbers but irregular appearances, Kuldeep once again reminded everyone of his value.
Interestingly, there was even a chance he might have missed this clash too, with India considering Varun Chakaravarthy as their lone spinner. Eventually, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh made way, allowing India to play both Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep, with Axar Patel providing all-round balance at No. 8.
Reacting to Kuldeep’s fiery spell, Manjrekar couldn’t resist a sly jab at India’s team management, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now. 😉”
Later, during the post-match presentation where Kuldeep was named Player of the Match, Manjrekar - on ground duty - posed a pointed question: “There is one thing I have noticed over the last few years, which is that you don’t play each and every game for India, and there are these gaps that you have. But when you come back, you put in these kinds of performances. It’s always back to your very best. How do you make that up?"
Kuldeep admitted: “It was tough for me," before his mic suddenly malfunctioned. With a grin, Manjrekar handed him another one: “Maybe your mic is not recording everything that you’re saying. So let’s use this one."
Kuldeep continued: “Especially in this format, reading the length is important and the batters, what they are trying to do. Also, about reacting to what the batters are trying to do against you."