Kuldeep Yadav considers Handscomb’s wicket a special one

Before the final Test at Dharamsala, not everyone knew who Kuldeep Yadav was. But after making his debut, in which he claimed 4 wickets, the 22-year-old chinaman bowler from Uttar Pradesh has become a household name. He proved to be the X-factor in the India team as they went on to beat Australia in the fourth Test and thus win the series 2-1.

It was stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane who wanted to field an extra bowler considering the workload all his bowlers had faced right through the 13-Test long home season. The thought behind picking Kuldeep was the variations he brings in along with the fact that the Aussies hadn’t seen a lot of him and that went in his favor.

When asked what exactly went through his mind when Rahane gave him the ball for his first ever international over, Kuldeep while talking to Xtratime.com said, “All I was focusing on was to keep the ball in the right area. I gained in confidence after I bowled the first ball in the right spot. I was concentrating bowling in the right area. The moment I got Warner out, I was confident to try out variations.”

He was seen shedding a tear after his maiden Test wicket and was very emotional. “Yes, it was an emotional moment getting my first wicket in test cricket. I have always dreamt of becoming a test cricketer”, he said.

Kuldeep revealed from the wickets that he took, the most satisfying one was that of an in-form Peter Hanscomb, who knows how to tackle spin bowlers cleverly.

“But the most satisfying wicket for me was that of Handscombe. He is a good player of spin and did well with the bat in the previous innings to save the Test match for Australia. I had planned his dismissal and happy that it clicked.”

India V/s Australia was quite a heated series, with verbal altercations witnessed in almost all the matches. But sledging didn’t interfere with the debutant’s game, who is used to it since he is from UP!

“It did not affect me as we are used to it as I hail from UP. These things are quite common in our parts. I think sledging is part of the game. I think whatever is said on the ground at the heat of the moment should be kept inside. I was also sledged when I walked into bat but that didn’t bother me.”

The chinaman bowler will now be looking forward to a good season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming Indian Premier League starting April 5