'I had to be tough with him' - Dinesh Karthik recalls bitter relationship with Kuldeep Yadav during his time with KKR

Veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has recently opened up about his sour relationship with Kuldeep Yadav during their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Karthik spoke about the challenges of captaining a team, acknowledging that it can sometimes become somewhat hostile relations. During his captaincy stint with KKR, he recalled having difficult conversations with Kuldeep as the left-arm wrist spinner was struggling with form at that time.

"Leading a franchise is altogether a different job. There are many other cultures, and you will find it challenging to deal with other individuals. You can be very honest with them. As a leader, you will lose out on certain friendships," Karthik said while speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel.

"During my time as KKR captain, Kuldeep (Yadav) was not doing as well as he is right now. There were tough conversations with him, and I don't think he would have appreciated me at that stage. I had to be tough with him," he added.

Dinesh Karthik refrained from specifying the exact timing of the tough conversation he had with Kuldeep. However, he expressed his belief that a couple of tough years have contributed to Kuldeep's growth as a bowler. He expressed his regret, attributing it to his misfortune to have been involved in that challenging phase of Kuldeep's career, and hoped that the latter would comprehend it.

"It was a hard time for Kuldeep. I think those tough times have made him a better bowler today. My bad luck is that I had to be a part of that bad phase in his life. I hope he understands what I did. I do not want him to appreciate it and be ok with it. You have to make decisions for the team and there was nothing personal," Karthik concluded.

Also Read: 'You stabbed me in the back' - Dinesh Karthik, Nasser Hussain indulge in hilarious banter

Notably, Kuldeep made his IPL debut with KKR in 2016 when the side was led by their current team mentor Gautam Gambhir. The Kolkata-based franchise then reacquired his services during the IPL mega auctions in 2018, during the time when they roped in Karthik and appointed him as captain. The left-armer impressed during that season, securing 17 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 8.14.

Kuldeep made remarkable comeback after getting released by KKR

Kuldeep Yadav faced a downturn in form in the subsequent seasons. Over the next two IPL campaigns, Kuldeep Yadav featured in only 14 matches for KKR and managed to pick a mere five wickets which resulted in him losing his spot in the national side.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Kuldeep Yadav to undergo more rest post groin niggle

The 29-year-old was then sidelined from the IPL 2021 after sustaining a knee injury and was subsequently released by KKR. He, however, was roped in by Delhi Capitals during the 2022 mega auction. He made a remarkable comeback, claiming 21 wickets in the season and his outstanding form also earned him a recall to the Indian national team, where he swiftly re-established himself as an all-format bowler.