NEWS
Follow UsIndia spinner Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach Kapil Pandey blames Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the bowler's dip in form. Pandey believes Kuldeep did not receive the necessary backing from the franchise, which further played a role in the 28-year-old questioning his abilities.
The wrist-spinner, however, remains in India's plans for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) World Cup in India, given that he played all three games in the series against West Indies recently, ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal. He finished with seven wickets in the three-match series, including a spell of 4 for 6 in the first ODI in just three overs.
"The dip started when he was not given a chance by KKR. But he kept working. I have seen him training from 6 pm to 12. Sometimes I had to pull him out of the ground. He was working on his length, on his speed as he was instructed by the Indian team management," Pandey told Indian Express.
Pandey recalls Kuldeep put in a lot of effort those days, even picked up a skill or two, but his lack of opportunities in the IPL did not allow him to show them off.
"Sadly, he was not given a chance again for KKR. I vividly recall the conversation, he told me, 'Sir, I don't know what is happening.' I told him to keep calm, this is cricket, and this sport tests you nine out of the 10 times'.
"It was challenging for him because he wanted to make a comeback. With no game time, he was not able to show the things he has worked upon. In cricket, there are likes and dislikes. IPL is like a corporate organisation, where you can't question authority," he added.
Kuldeep played for KKR between 2014 and 2021, picking up 40 wickets in 45 games. He moved to Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2022. In his two seasons with the franchise so far, the chinaman bowler has 31 scalps from 28 matches, which includes two four-wicket hauls.
