New Delhi: Kuldeep Yadav reaped rewards of keeping himself motivated during his spell on the sidelines in the England tour as his 4/7 won India their Asia
Cup opener against hosts UAE in Dubai.
Overlooked for all of the five Tests in England, he was picked in the playing XI on Wednesday and he immediately grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
The left-arm wrist spinner looked sharp on the field and read the mind of opposition batters to claim four wickets in only 13 deliveries at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“Thanks to Adrian (Le Roux) the trainer. Was working on my bowling and my fitness as well, everything is going perfectly,” Yadav said after being named the player of the match.
“Tried to hit the right length and it matters a lot, reading the batters on what they are trying to do. Even today as well, reacting to what the batters would do on the next ball.”
‘Clinical’
UAE batters were bamboozled by Yadav’s guile and artistry as India strolled to a nine-wicket victory, with skipper Suryaukmar Yadav later describing it as a clinical performance.
“Wanted to see how the wicket was playing. It was the same in the 2nd innings. Clinical performance from the boys, we wanted good attitude and energy on the field and that’s what we got,” he said.
“Recently lot of the boys were here for the Champions Trophy, the wicket looked good but it was on the slower side and the spinners have a role. Here it is very hot right now and Kuldeep did well, got good support from Hardik, Dube and Bumrah.”
Opener Abhishek Sharma smacked 30 off 16 balls with two boundaries and three sixes as India chased down their 58-target in 4.3 overs.
“He (Abhishek) is currently the World number one batter for a reason, he sets the tone, irrespective of if we chase 200 or 50, unbelievable from him. Everyone is excited for the game against Pakistan,” Yadav said.
UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem pinpointed losing wickets in a heap as the reson behind their capitulation.
“We started well as a batting team, we lose wickets in a cluster which cost us the game. They are a brilliant team and they are bowling very well. They are executing their plans for every batter, that’s why they are the No.1 team,” he said.
