NEW DELHI: Kuldeep Yadav attributes his recent success in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to adjustments in his bowling technique. He believes these changes, including a straighter run-up and a more aggressive rhythm, have significantly enhanced his performance.
This year, the 28-year-old bowler has been in fine form, securing 27 wickets from 14 matches in ODIs, making him the highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in this format.
Speaking in a post-match press conference, Kuldeep discussed the alterations in his approach. He stated, "After the (knee) surgery (last year), my run-up has become much straighter, and rhythm has become aggressive. My hand used to fall over, but that has been controlled, and now it (hand) is facing the batsman."
1/10:Asia Cup: India crush Pakistan in rain-hit ODI
AP
2/10:India thrash Pakistan
<p>Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India's 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup on Monday's reserve day. </p>AFP
3/10:Record stand
<p>Kohli (122*) and Rahul (111*) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo. </p>Getty Images
4/10:India win
<p>Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. </p>AP
5/10:Kuldeep Yadav
<p>Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25 to hand India their biggest ODI win over Pakistan. </p>Getty Images
6/10:Dashing duo
<p>Rahul, who returned from an injury lay-off, raised his bat to celebrate his hundred and was hugged by Kohli, who soon brought up his own ton after surpassing 13,000 ODI runs. </p>AFP
7/10:47th ODI 100
<p>It was Kohli's 47th ODI ton and extended his century score to 77 in internationals. </p>PTI
8/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Kohli and Rahul resumed cautiously on their overnight scores of 8 and 17 before they took to the Pakistan attack with 100 runs in 102 balls. </p>PTI
9/10:Classy knock
<p>Rahul smashed 12 fours and two sixes, including whipping Shadab Khan over mid-wicket, in his 106-ball knock. </p>ANI
10/10:Final flourish
<p>Kohli finished the innings with a six down the ground against a bowling attack that lacked sting. Sloppy fielding added to Pakistan's woes. </p>Getty ImagesKuldeep emphasized that he worked diligently on improving his spin and drift following his surgery to enhance his efficiency. "I exerted care not to lose my spin and drift without losing my pace. If a leg-spinner lands the ball on a good length, he can pick up wickets more regularly and loose balls can be reduced. You can be consistent," he added.
Collaborating with Ashish Koushik, a physiotherapist at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), post-surgery, Kuldeep aimed to reduce the strain on his knee when landing in the crease. "I did not want to lose my zip, nip, or drift. After surgery, I went for a three-month recuperation at NCA, and physio Ashish Koushik said I had to reduce the load on my knee. So, I worked to make my rhythm faster," he explained.
Kuldeep acknowledged that transitioning to the remodeled action took some time, especially when performing at the highest level of cricket. He shared his experience, stating, "I tried the new action in a practice game in Kanpur. The batsmen were struggling to face me. But even in the IPL and during the tour of the West Indies, I was struggling with it (action). It took some 6-7 matches for me to make it work at this level. Performing against a top opposition like Pakistan motivates me"
Kuldeep recently made a remarkable impact in a match against Pakistan, taking five wickets for 25 runs, contributing to India's comprehensive 228-run victory. He expressed the significance of this achievement, especially against a team renowned for its proficiency in handling spin bowling. "I will always remember that I picked up five wickets against Pakistan when I retire. It is a big thing for me because Pakistan players can play spin well. If you perform against a side that plays spin well in the subcontinent, it motivates you," he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
