Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has broken his silence on being benched for the entire England tour, following his impressive performances in the Asia Cup 2025. In a press conference ahead of India's match against Oman, Kuldeep revealed that coach Gautam Gambhir had explained the reasoning behind his exclusion.
Key Points
- Reason for Exclusion: Kuldeep stated that the decision was based on team mix and batting depth, not his ability or bowling skills.
- Coach's Clarity: Gambhir had communicated the rationale clearly, helping Kuldeep understand the decision.
- Learning Experience: Kuldeep emphasized that the period of not playing taught him valuable lessons, focusing on self-improvement and admitting mistakes.
Performance Insights
- Asia Cup Success: Kuldeep took 7 wickets in the first two matches against UAE and Pakistan, winning Player of the Match awards consecutively.
- Fitness and Bowling Focus: During the England tour preparation, Kuldeep worked on fitness and bowling consistency, regaining rhythm despite not getting wickets in the Duleep Trophy.
Kuldeep's Perspective
- Challenges of Inactivity: Kuldeep noted the difficulty in maintaining rhythm without consistent match practice.
- Personal Growth: He highlighted the importance of learning from setbacks and focusing on strengths.
Kuldeep's insights offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by cricketers and the importance of resilience and hard work.