Not many knew what to expect when Kuldeep Yadav got his first test cap against Australia last year. The left-arm chinaman starred in the U-19 setup, and also did well in his sporadic appearances for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Advertisement
But no one was prepared for Yadav’s debut performance, as he picked up four wickets and bamboozled the Aussies in Dharamshala. In a matter of hours, Yadav became a household name in the country, as a new star was born.
Yadav also picked up a ODI Hattrick against the same opposition a few months later, as Yadav quickly established himself in the limited overs setup for India.
Speaking in an interview Yadav recalled his year and also spoke of his future aspirations. He first spoke about his fitness, and how he is trying to get into the best shape of his life.
“I started working on my fitness in 2014 when I was with KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) where I worked with Ethan. If you are fit, you can perform much better. I have seen that difference in myself in these last couple of years. I am hoping to get fitter in the years to come.”
Yadav also paid tribute to Brad Hogg, as the pair struck up a good relationship during their KKR days.
“He has helped me a lot. It’s very important to get proper guidance and I have got to learn a lot from his experience. He has played across the globe and he had wonderful insights to share with me.”
“He taught me the nuances of googly, flipper, Chinaman et al. If you are turning the ball both ways and have copious variations, the batsmen are always guessing, and that’s what makes it difficult for them to read me.”
Yadav also mentioned how Virat Kohli was helping him find a way back into the test match setup.
“I am working on this. Virat (Kohli) bhaiya too has been guiding me on this. It’s the start of my career and I am putting my best foot forward. It will eventually happen. Perhaps, soon.”
Yadav also said that he loves watching football and revealed his favourite player.
” I Netflix and chill! I am a movie buff. I love watching football too. Neymar is my favourite player. I am a big fan of his. I hope to meet him someday.”
