Dinesh Karthik remembers his tense connection with Kuldeep Yadav during his tenure with KKR: “I had to be tough with him.”

Recently, veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik revealed details of his tense relationship with Kuldeep Yadav during their Indian Premier League (IPL) days together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Speaking about the difficulties of leading a team, Karthik acknowledged that there are moments when relationships can become a little tense. He remembered having tense talks with Kuldeep when he was captain of KKR since the left-arm wrist spinner was having form issues at the time.

“Running a franchise is a completely other kind of work. It will be difficult for you to interact with people from the many different cultures. With them, you may be completely sincere. You will miss out on some friendships as a leader,” Karthik stated in a video posted on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube page.

“Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t playing as well as he is at the moment when I was captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He and I had some difficult talks, and I don’t think he would have valued me then. I had to deal with him toughly,” he continued.

Dinesh Karthik declined to reveal the precise moment of the difficult talk he had with Kuldeep. He did, however, voice his opinion that Kuldeep’s development as a bowler has been aided by a few difficult years. He apologized, saying it was his unfortunate lot to have been part of that difficult time in Kuldeep’s career, and he hoped Kuldeep would understand.

It was a difficult moment for Kuldeep. I believe that his challenging experiences have improved him as a bowler. It’s unfortunate for me that I had to witness that dark period of his life. I’m hoping he gets what I did. I do not want him to accept it and feel grateful for it. There were no personal issues, and you had to make decisions for the team,” Karthik said in closing.

Remarkably, Kuldeep joined KKR for the first time in the IPL in 2016 under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, who is currently the team’s coach. The Kolkata-based team then signed Karthik and designated him as captain for the 2018 IPL mega auctions, when they once again obtained his services. During that season, the left-armer showed promise, taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.14 in 16 games.

Kuldeep Yadav made an incredible return following his release from KKR.

Kuldeep Yadav’s performance declined in the ensuing seasons. Kuldeep Yadav lost his place in the national team after appearing in just 14 games for KKR over the course of the next two IPL seasons and taking just five wickets.

After suffering a knee injury that kept him out of the IPL 2021, the 29-year-old was later let go by KKR. Nevertheless, the Delhi Capitals enlisted him for the 2022 mega auction. With 21 wickets in the season, he made an incredible return and was called up to the Indian national side, where he quickly restored his reputation as an all-around bowler.