Kuldeep Yadav had the same thing going on in IPL 2025 playing for Delhi Capitals- England tour… Lucky there was a person around him who knew England’s batting from inside- Kevin Peterson. Kuldeep did not delay at all in catching the knowledge of former English captain and spin player Peterson. Now when Edgbaston Test is near and India is behind in the series 0–1. If Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to play, India is looking for wicket -taking option. In such a situation, Kuldeep becomes a strong contender with his changed thinking, aggressive run-up and strict action.
Kuldive Yadav says,
Kevin Peterson was our mentor. He gave me a lot of suggestions about the tour of England. Discussed the weakness of the batsmen, fielding positions, nature of English pitches- everything. We used to understand the entire batting order of England one by one.
According to local reports, Edgbaston’s pitch gradually becomes slow. Siraj, famous and Shardul did not get much help in the Headingley Test, so the question arises- will India Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, will put two left-handed spinners together? Kuldeep says, ‘I do not know anything other than taking wickets. If I do not take wickets then it is useless to play. Be it England or India, I have to rotate the ball, bring revolution on it, he will give me wickets.
Surgery, new action and 3 years hard work
When Kuldeep had to undergo knee surgery in 2021, the doctors advised him that he would have to change his bowling action. His slow run-up and takeoff were putting more pressure on his knee. This player, who once dreamed of becoming Wasim Akram, had shown the path of spin by his coach Kapil Pandey. That too a spinner who did not turn the ball from the wrist – not a ‘Chinaman’. Kuldeep changed action. Run-up intensified, the angle straightened, but initially started losing balance. Rhythm did not come for about one and a half months. In six months, the rhythm in bowling returned, but the new problem came up. He was unable to put more than 4 overs.
When Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy, he hoped Kuldeep for a long spell, then the team’s strength trainer Soham Desai changed Kuldeep’s training. Gradually, he started maintaining energy for 8-9 overs. Now they can also put 10-12 overs continuously in the Test match. Kuldeep says, ‘Rohit Bhaiya often asks me in the match -‘ Isn’t it tired? ‘ Now I am able to put a long spell. It has taken me 3 years to reach this point.
First Test without Kohli, Rohit and Ashwin
If Kuldeep plays in Edgbaston Test, then this will be his first Test, in which neither Kohli, nor Rohit nor Ashwin will be on the ground. Kohli gave him a test cap. Rohit was like ‘Bade Bhai’ and Ashwin was his spin guru. Once Ashwin put his hand on his shoulder and said, ‘You have to take the legacy of this spin forward. Now the same Sapna stands as a new challenge for Kuldeep, which can begin with Edgbaston Test.