• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 04/24/2024
• 0 Comments

Kuldeep Yadav, India’s premier spinner across all formats, recently opened up about the challenging phase of his career during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From 2016 to 2020, Kuldeep experienced a tumultuous period with the two-time IPL champions, where his confidence hit rock bottom due to inconsistent performances and limited playing time.

Early Success and Subsequent Struggles with KKR

Kuldeep’s early years with KKR were successful, but his form took a significant hit in 2019. His wicket-taking abilities diminished, with only four wickets from nine matches in 2019 and one wicket from five games in 2020. This slump left Kuldeep feeling demoralised and longing for guidance during that crucial period.

“In KKR, I needed guidance, but now I don’t need it, as now I dictate terms. In 2019, Mahi bhai [MS Dhoni] had retired that year and I needed guidance,” Kuldeep shared with PTI. “It still hurts me that had I worked on those skills back then, I could have dominated even more.”

Kuldeep’s career turned positive when he joined the Delhi Capitals in 2022. Supported by coach Ricky Ponting, Kuldeep found a renewed sense of confidence and form. In his debut season with the franchise, he took 21 wickets from 14 matches, showcasing his potential as a game-changer.

Though his performance dipped slightly in 2023, with ten wickets from 14 matches, Kuldeep’s overall self-belief and confidence have continued to grow. He credits his recent resurgence to the experience he gained from overcoming failure and learning how to adapt to different playing conditions.

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New Perspective and Continued Growth

Reflecting on his journey, Kuldeep emphasised respecting the opposition and understanding their strategies. He believes that his maturity has allowed him to adapt and execute his strengths effectively, making him a more versatile and reliable spinner.

“Back in the day, I didn’t do [respect the opposition]. I believed in my skills, but then at the same time, you need to understand how the batter is playing, and that maturity has come,” Kuldeep explained.

While Kuldeep’s time with KKR remains a source of regret and disappointment, his experiences have shaped him into the confident and skilled player he is today. Kuldeep’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity in professional sports as he continues to excel with the Delhi Capitals and represent India at the highest level.