Kuldeep Yadav’s revival run in IPL 2022, in which he picked 21 wickets for Delhi Capitals while bowling more quickly and confidently, was a very encouraging sight. During India’s T20I series against South Africa in June, many people anticipated that his dazzling streak would continue.
But due to a hand injury, he was unable to play in the series, go to Ireland and England, or the ODIs against the West Indies. In the fifth Twenty20 International against the West Indies in Lauderhill, he finally got his chance, claiming three wickets in a masterful bowling display in which spinners claimed all 10 wickets.
Maninder Singh thinks Kuldeep’s recent strong performances have been a tremendous plus, and if the left-arm wristspinner keeps up his steady play, he may make India’s ODI World Cup selection next year.
“I still believe that in order to compete in the ODI World Cup, which will take place in India in 2023, he must regularly perform well on the field. He adds a unique variety because he is a left-arm chinaman (wrist-spinner) and has a flair for wicket-taking since he first played international cricket, which is crucial in the middle overs to slow the opposition’s run rate “Maninder remarked.
Maninder went on to say that Kuldeep’s recent performances are a significant plus, especially considering that he fell out of favour in the second half of IPL 2021 owing to a combination of his lean form and a knee injury acquired while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders.
“This is a huge positive because, in my opinion, it appeared as though a quality bowler would be lost due to the way he was declining and was not handled effectively. Because of this, I had earlier said that it would be best for him if he avoided playing T20 cricket. But since there would be a lot of money at stake and players need money for security in life, this is simply impossible. He put a lot of effort into his work, which is why the outcomes were so good.”
Kuldeep’s teammate in the Delhi Capitals, left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel, has received attention after scoring an unbeaten 64 off 35 balls, which was also his first fifty in ODI cricket. India defeated the West Indies in Trinidad in the second ODI and swept the series.
Patel’s recent batting performance pleased Maninder, but he still hopes to see more of his reliable results. Here recalled a Gujarat player’s praise for Patel’s hitting skills while they were teammates on the field.
“The player from Gujarat who played with him last year was continually admiring his batting abilities as we spoke. When he bats, he transforms into a really graceful batsman with amazing shots that we haven’t seen before. I had caught a glimpse of it here and there, but a massive win was required. However, things are going well with the bat now that he bowls well and has confidence. If he performs consistently, I want to see him bat more often.”
Maninder concluded by stating that if Patel performs regularly, selectors will have a difficult time, especially considering Jadeja’s history of injury-related match absences. “One thing that is certain is that Axar Patel’s confidence is increasing as he plays more international cricket, which is fantastic for the Indian team and Axar Patel. Ravindra Jadeja getting hurt in between series and having to miss several games benefits the Indian squad, though. He’s getting older, too.
If Axar Patel continues to produce quality work after his impressive batting display against the West Indies and his escapades, it will be fantastic. Given how well Jadeja has played, he could cause the selectors some trouble. However, this competition is important for all teams because it motivates older players like Jadeja to work even harder when they see someone else waiting to take their place, as Maninder said ahead of the series against Zimbabwe.
