NEW DELHI: India left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav credited his success in the Asia Cup opener to reading UAE batters' mindset, a tactic that paid off handsomely in Dubai on Wednesday.

After spending the entire England Test series on the sidelines, the left-arm wrist-spinner finally got his chance and made it count, showcasing not just his guile but also a noticeably sharper, fitter version of himself.

"Thanks to Adrian (Le Roux) the trainer. Was working on my bowling and my fitness as well, everything is going perfectly. Tried to hit the right length and it matters a lot, reading the batters on what they are trying to do.

"Even today as well, reacting to what the batters would do on the next ball," said Kuldeep, who returned with match-winning figures of 4 for 7 from 2.1 overs.

Kuldeep's artistry was too much for a clueless UAE to comprehend as India hardly broke a sweat in an emphatic nine-wicket victory.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav described the team's display as a thoroughly clinical performance.

"Wanted to see how the wicket was playing. It was the same in the 2nd innings. Clinical performance from the boys, we wanted good attitude and energy on the field and that's what we got," he said.

"Recently lot of the boys were here for the Champions Trophy, the wicket looked good but it was on the slower side and the spinners have a role. Here it is very hot right now and Kuldeep did well, got good support from Hardik, Dube and Bumrah,"

The skipper was also lauded young Abhishek Sharma for his exploits upfront.

"He (Abhishek) is currently the World number one batter for a reason, he sets the tone, irrespective of if we chase 200 or 50, unbelievable from him. Everyone is excited for the game against Pakistan," Yadav said.

UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem said losing wickets in a cluster cost them the game.

"We started well as a batting team, we lose wickets in a cluster which cost us the game. They are a brilliant team and they are bowling very well. They are executing their plans for every batter, that's why they are the No.1 team."