New Delhi: In the midst of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has made a remarkable comeback from injury, showcasing his prowess against arch-rivals Pakistan. The 30-year-old, who recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia, has not only regained his form but is also optimistic about improving with each passing game. This resurgence was evident in his performance against Pakistan, where he claimed three crucial wickets, including those of Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey back to the pitch has been marked by determination and hard work. After a period of recovery that spanned more than three months, he returned to action with a couple of matches against England. Although he felt a good rhythm during those games, he was eager for wickets, which eluded him in the initial match against Bangladesh. However, against Pakistan, he found his groove early on, feeling more comfortable and in control.
“I felt better rhythm when I bowled my first over,” Yadav noted, highlighting his strategic approach. “In the first spell, I hit a lot of Chinaman deliveries. The wrong one is a variation of mine, and I also used topspin with it.” His plan was to vary his pace and use the wrong one effectively, especially on a slow track where incoming deliveries can be challenging for batsmen.
Yadav credits the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for his speedy recovery. “I give a lot of credit to the NCA. I worked with Rajni and our physio, Dhananjay, under Nitin Patel. I was very focused and didn’t want to delay my return,” he said, expressing gratitude for the support that helped him make it back in time for the Champions Trophy.
As India continues its campaign in the tournament, Yadav’s role in the death overs has become increasingly significant. He believes that spinners with variations are difficult to hit, especially in the later stages of the game. “I enjoy the pressure of playing against Pakistan. There are a lot of expectations, but I relish the challenge,” he added, reflecting on the high-stakes nature of such matches.
