Kuldeep Yadav, India’s top spinner, weaved a web around the West Indies batting order, taking five wickets on Day 3 of the second Test in New Delhi. His 5/82 helped India dismiss the visitors for 248 in their first innings, giving them a 270-run lead. After the day’s play, Kuldeep discussed his journey and mindset.
Kuldeep is only in his 15th Test since making his debut in 2017, and he is frequently benched in favour of all-rounders. However, each time he returns, he leaves an impression. Continuing from the previous evening, he employed the rough outside the off-stump and minor variations in flight to confuse the hitters. Shai Hope, who had appeared solid, was undone by a delivery that straightened rather than turned, wiping up his off-stump.
Soon after, Tevin Imlach and Justin Greaves succumbed to his deft usage of the googly and the drifting leg-break, while Jayden Seales became the final victim to accomplish the feat. The West Indies fell from 156/4 to 248 all out, owing largely to the spinner’s brilliance, which was supplemented by Ravindra Jadeja’s three wickets and the pacers’ efforts.
“I mean, I hardly think about the balls at the moment, you know, whatever ball I get, I just have to bowl, and whatever format I play, just give my best, and yeah, obviously, taking a five-wicket haul after quite a long time was special, and yeah, 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. That was very clear to me,” he said after the game as quoted by Hindustan Times.
I have always been a great admirer of Kuldeep Yadav: Anil Kumble
Former India spinner Anil Kumble praised Kuldeep’s rhythm, stating how he maintains confidence despite long breaks between games.
“Absolutely brilliant! I have always been a great admirer of Kuldeep Yadav, and despite limited opportunities, he consistently showcases his match-winning abilities. It is not easy to maintain rhythm and confidence without regular play, but Kuldeep seized this chance perfectly in the first innings. He played a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up, demonstrating control and composure. I expect him to be central again when India returns to bowl tomorrow and aims to claim the remaining wickets. Kuldeep’s outstanding performances have been evident across formats whenever given the opportunity, whether with the red or white ball,” Anil said on ‘Cricket Live’.
Following on, the visitors showed solid fight through John Campbell and Shai Hope, who added 138 runs for the third wicket to take the match into the fourth day. Campbell remained an unbeaten 87, while Hope anchored the innings with a half-century as West Indies ended Day 3 at 173/2, still trailing by 97 runs.
India
