IND vs WI 2025: 'Have to create magic on field' - Kuldeep Yadav opens up after taking five-for in Delhi Test

India's star spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, spun a web around the West Indies batting lineup, bagging a magnificent five-wicket haul on Day 3 of the second Test in New Delhi. His 5/82 helped India bundle out the visitors for 248 in their first innings, handing a 270-run lead. Speaking after the day’s play, Kuldeep reflected on his journey and mindset.

Playing only his 15th Test since debuting in 2017, Kuldeep has often been sidelined in favour of all-round options. However, every time he returns, he makes an impact. Resuming from the previous evening, he used the rough outside the off-stump and subtle variations in flight to outfox the batters. Shai Hope, who had looked solid, was undone by a delivery that straightened instead of turning, cleaning up his off-stump.

Soon after, Tevin Imlach and Justin Greaves fell to his clever use of the googly and the drifting leg-break, while Jayden Seales became his final victim to complete the fifer. From 156/4, the West Indies collapsed to 248 all out, largely due to the spinner's brilliance, supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s three wickets and an effort from the pacers.

"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: 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.