IND vs WI: Kuldeep Yadav set for upswing

Kuldeep Yadav. Pic/AFP

Kuldeep Yadav was awarded a recall in the ODI team for the three-match series against the West Indies without any spectacular performances during his time away from the Indian team. The wrist spinner claimed just two wickets in the two ODIs he got to play in Sri Lanka when most of the senior India players were touring England for a Test series last July.

Kuldeep is likely to bowl in tandem with his spin partner-in-crime Yuzvendra Chahal when the first ODI gets underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 6. ‘KulCha', as they are called, will only get the ODI series to impress as Kuldeep is not part of the T20I series. Former India leggie Narendra Hirwani, who has been mentoring and working with Kuldeep, asked the spinner to bowl at his original speed of around 75 kmph. Hirwani, who took a record 16 wickets on his Test debut (v West Indies at Chennai in 1988), was surprised that Kuldeep was advised by someone to increase his pace.

Narendra Hirwani's advice to Kuldeep Yadav

"Kuldeep lost his rhythm because he was trying to bowl at 85-plus kmph. That affected three key aspects of his bowling: his head position, his body balance and since his body was tilting towards the right, he could not control his line and length," Hirwani told mid-day. To elaborate his point, Hirwani provided an example of an elephant. "An elephant has tusks, but does not eat with them. Similarly, you can use your faster delivery occasionally. That can be one of your secret weapons. You were getting wickets with your normal bowling, so why change that?

"Stay with your original action and practise for hours. This will give you confidence. And once you get your confidence back, you will enjoy your cricket much more," was Hirwani's advice to Kuldeep. The UP lad did exactly as prescribed and after watching his videos, Hirwarni is convinced that Kuldeep will be back among wickets against the Caribbean cricketers.

107
Number of wickets claimed by Kuldeep Yadav in 65 ODIs