Kuldeep Yadav: DC gave me the freedom to express myself

“Having the freedom to express myself in DC camp has helped me put up good performances,” says Delhi Capitals’ wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Delhi Capitals’ wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav spoke his heart out in the fourth episode of The DC Podcast. The 27-year-old, who has taken 13 wickets in the TATA IPL 2022 so far, spoke about an interesting conversation with Head Coach Ricky Ponting during his first training session with the Delhi franchise

“When you are given the freedom to express yourself then you start to enjoy everything. When I spoke to Ricky during my first practice session with the team, he told me that I am bowling very well and that he’s looking to play me for all 14 league matches. That conversation with him motivated me a lot.”

Kuldeep also spoke about working closely with Assistant Coach Shane Watson, “Shane Watson has also helped me a lot. I am very lucky to have worked with Watson for three-four sessions. He has particularly helped me with the mental aspect of the game. I have shared a lot of things with him about what I have been through before joining this team. I speak openly with him.”

Speaking about Captain Rishabh Pant, he said, “I feel Rishabh is showing a few glimpses of MS Dhoni’s characteristics behind the stumps. He guides well and stays calm on the field. Wicketkeepers play a big role in the success of spinners. The credit for my performance in this IPL goes to Rishabh as well. We have a good understanding now.”

Kuldeep also expressed his love for football in the podcast episode, “I don’t like talking about cricket. I just play the game. I only talk about cricket when it’s a serious conversation about what I should do as a player. I follow football very closely. I understand the game tactically and a football manager’s approach to matches. Although I don’t play football very well, I have a lot of knowledge about football.”

The Delhi Capitals are set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next match of the TATA IPL 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday, 28 April 2022.