“When you are given freedom to express then you start to enjoy everything”: Kuldeep Yadav credits Ricky Ponting’s backing for his performances in IPL 2022 for Delhi Capitals

Kuldeep Yadav has credited the backing of Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson for his success in the Indian Premier League 2022 with Delhi Capitals.

The rise of Kuldeep Yadav has been incredible this season. Kuldeep, who had spent most of his time on the bench for the last couple of seasons has been on fire this time around. The chinaman was out of favour at his last side Kolkata Knight Riders, and he played just seven games in the last two seasons combined.

Delhi Capitals roped in Kuldeep Yadav for a cut-price of INR 2 crores and the spinner has proved his worth. He has scalped 13 wickets in 7 games and is currently the 3rd highest wicket-taker of the season behind Yuzvendra Chahal and T Natarajan.

Kuldeep Yadav credits Ricky Ponting for backing him

Kuldeep Yadav has credited the backing of head coach Ricky Ponting for his brilliant performances in the Indian Premier League 2022. Kuldeep revealed that Ricky Ponting told him in advance that he is looking to play him in every game and that gave him a lot of confidence.

“When you are given the freedom to express then you start to enjoy everything. During my first practice session with the team, he told me I’m bowling very well, he’s looking to play me for 14 league matches. That conversation motivated me a lot,” Kuldeep said about Ricky Ponting in a media interaction.

Apart from Ricky Ponting, Kuldeep had a lot of praise for the assistant coach Shane Watson as well. Watson, who is himself an IPL great joined the Delhi Capitals ahead of this season. Kuldeep said that he has worked with Watson to improve his mental aspect and he can speak openly to the Australian all-rounder.

“Shane Watson has also helped me a lot. I am very lucky to have worked with Watson for 3-4 sessions,” Kuldeep said.

“It has particularly helped me with the mental aspect. I Have shared a lot of things about what I have been through before joining this team. I speak openly with him.”

Apart from Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson, Kuldeep Yadav has also praised his captain Rishabh Pant. Delhi Capitals will now face Kolkata Knight Riders in their next league game on 28 April 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.