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‘Not Given A Chance By KKR:’ Coach Reveals Kuldeep Yadav’s Form Struggles
India spinner Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as India’s top player in white ball cricket, but he had to overcome a rough patch of form. During the IPL, Yadav faced numerous challenges. (Image credits: Twitter)
Kuldeep Yadav has regained his form and is now considered one of India’s top players, just in time for the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. This comeback comes after a difficult period following his outstanding performances in the 2019 World Cup. Yadav has taken 22 wickets in just 11 matches this year, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs. He has been a valuable asset for India in their ongoing series against West Indies, but he has faced his fair share of struggles over the past few years.
Yadav’s Decline in Form
During the time when Yadav experienced a decline in form, there was a belief that he did not receive support from either the Indian team or the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In IPL 2021, he did not even get a chance to play a single game for KKR and had to leave the COVID bubble due to a knee injury. He later underwent surgery. Yadav’s childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, attributed his decline to the lack of opportunities provided by KKR.
KKR’s Treatment of Yadav, According to His Coach
According to Pandey, Yadav’s decline began when KKR did not give him a chance to prove himself. However, Pandey mentioned that Yadav remained focused and dedicated long hours to training, specifically working on improving his length and speed as instructed by the Indian team management. “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 also revealed that the Indian Premier League operates as a corporate organization, making it difficult for players to question decision-makers. “But sadly, he was not given a chance again for KKR. I can 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 ten times. It was challenging for him because he wanted to make a comeback. With no game time, he was not able to demonstrate the things he had worked on,” he added.
Yadav was eventually signed by the Delhi Capitals, where he was able to showcase his skills once again.
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