Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav after his consistent performances in the ongoing Asia Cup. Yadav continued his rich form against Bangladesh in the Super Fours clash at Dubai on Wednesday.
The wrist spinner returned with impressive figures of 3-18 against the Tigers and helped India bowl out Bangladesh at 127 and register a 41-run win. Kuldeep accounted for Parvez Hussain Emon, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hossain Sakib in his fine spell.
Kuldeep had not got an opportunity in any of the five Test matches against England but has grabbed his chance with both hands in the continental tournament.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “He served water for 40-50 days, but as soon as he got the opportunity, he has the ability in his bowling. We talked about variation, fearlessness, leg spin, and googly. He is the trump card in the middle overs… See, in the last match, 169 is not a big target, but as soon as he came in the middle overs, he took three wickets and changed the match; at one time, he was on a hat-trick.”
“The way Kuldeep Yadav has made his comeback post-2020- 21 has been praiseworthy. He should get the accolades. In the last match, he bowled four overs against Bangladesh, got three wickets, and gave away just 18 runs. In this Asia Cup, his magic has been exceptional. It’s because he didn’t get a chance to play a single Test during the England series.
“He has picked wickets in every game, and his economy is near six runs. He’s not conceding runs, bowls tight line and length, the variation is exceptional, control is brilliant, he’s a fearless bowler,” he added.
Kuldeep has scalped 12 wickets in five matches of the Asia Cup at an impressive average of 8.08 and an economy rate of 5.65.
Meanwhile, Kaif wants Kuldeep to be part of India’s playing XI for the two-match Test series against the West Indies.
“Axar’s return strengthens the team. When Axar plays alongside Washington and Jadeja, the team gains batting depth. Does this mean Kuldeep Yadav may miss out again? I would definitely want to see him play, but with home conditions generally allowing only two fast bowlers, his spot is not guaranteed.”
India will take on Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday.
