'Playing all formats for India a luxury': Kuldeep Yadav
What's the story
Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has said that playing in all three formats of the game is a "luxury." He remarked while speaking on JioStar's 'Follow The Blues' show. Despite fierce competition, the left-arm wrist spinner has managed to stay relevant with his attacking mindset and match fitness. Kuldeep returned from Australia mid-way through a five-match T20I series to prepare for the South Africa Tests.
Test focus
Commitment to Test cricket
Kuldeep, who has taken 342 wickets across formats, is committed to staying fit for the longest format of the game. He said, "Obviously, you want to play in all formats, but if you get a chance to play Test cricket, you enjoy it. Playing in all formats for India is a luxury." The spinner added that he loves Test cricket because it's challenging and enjoyable at the same time.
Game plan
Strategy for success
Kuldeep emphasized the importance of fitness and performance in his strategy for success. He said, "The next 4-5 years are very important for me in Test cricket, so I will focus on maintaining my fitness and keep performing like this." The spinner also stressed that he has clarity about his role as an attacking bowler, thanks to the support from team management.
Bowling approach
Role as an attacking bowler
Kuldeep said he knows his role as an attacking bowler and always keeps an attacking mindset. He added, "I always keep an attacking mindset and bowl accordingly. That's my job: taking wickets." Kuldeep is one of the few left-arm wrist-spinners currently floating successfully in international cricket. Over the years, he has worked on his bowling speed and honed his knack for giving breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
Career
A look at his career
As mentioned, Kuldeep has been India's x-factor across formats. He has had limited chances in Test cricket since his debut in 2017 due to the team combination. However, the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin has improved his chances of playing. As of now, Kuldeep has taken 72 wickets from 16 Tests at 21.40. His tally includes 5 fifers. The wrist-spinner has 88 and 182 wickets in T20Is and ODIs, respectively. He averages a record 13.34 (bowling) in T20Is.