Kuldeep Yadav picked up a five-wicket haul against the West Indies on Sunday, and it was more than just a bowling achievement; it was a powerful statement of resilience from a player who often finds himself battling for a regular spot. Speaking to the official broadcasters, the left-arm wrist-spinner offered his perspective on his performance and the demanding nature of the pitch.
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Kuldeep began by reflecting on India's strong start, "We started really well. The wicket is good to bat on and there wasn't any pace on the wicket, so we just tried to hit it the right length. Hitting the stumps was my plan." He acknowledged the fight shown by the opposition, particularly in their second innings resistance, "The first innings was brilliant. Second innings, they batted really well, Hope and Campbell started hitting very well. And they are batting really well at the moment."
The slow, unyielding pitch demanded extra effort from the bowlers, forcing Kuldeep to spark something special rather than relying on the surface. He highlighted the physical and mental toll the conditions took, especially on wrist-spinners. "(On the wicket) It looks pretty well to bat. The wicket is obviously slower. And there isn't any the pace on the wicket, so you have to create and generate the energy. And for wrist-spinners, it is difficult sometimes."
His simple, yet effective, plan was to deceive the batsmen through flight and speed: "Hitting the right length and trying to beat the batmen in the air, that was my plan. I was just trying to speed my arm speed." The effort was conscious, as he knew he couldn't rely on assistance from the surface: "I thought yesterday I bowled well. There wasn't any pace from the wicket. So, I had to create something. The rhythm was good. I was just focusing on the arm speed."
The five-wicket haul itself held a special place, given his sometimes-interrupted career. For Kuldeep, however, the frequency of his opportunities matters little compared to the quality of his output. His approach is rooted in a commitment to excellence.
"Taking a five-wicket haul after quite a long time was special. You have to create magic on the field. That's what I always think about. And it doesn't matter if I play in 18 months or one month. So, that was very clear for me." His closing words offered a glimpse into Kuldeep Yadav and his mindset. Kuldeep said, "Whatever ball I get, I just have to bowl. And whatever format I play, just give my best."
Kuldeep’s masterclass, which historically saw him become the fastest left-arm wrist-spinner to five Test five-wicket hauls, ensured India maintained a dominant position, setting up a likely victory at the end of Day 3.
