Kuldeep Yadav Highlights Sunil Narine's Impact on His Bowling
Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav has publicly acknowledged the significant influence of West Indies cricketer Sunil Narine during his tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Speaking on JioHotstar, Kuldeep detailed how Narine emphasized the critical role of bowling length, a lesson that has demonstrably improved his own performance. This revelation underscores the mentorship and learning opportunities within the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Lessons from a KKR Legend
Kuldeep, who played for KKR from 2014 to 2021, stated that Narine, known for his innovative and often unpredictable bowling style, consistently stressed the necessity of bowling the right length. “As a bowler, you must aim to dominate. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine have done that consistently. I learned a lot from Sunil Narine when I was with KKR. He was ahead of his time. He always emphasised the importance of bowling length,” Kuldeep explained.
He further admitted that initially, he relied solely on his skill, but now recognizes the validity of Narine’s advice. Following his return from injury, Kuldeep has prioritized length and has seen a noticeable difference in his bowling effectiveness. This illustrates a willingness to learn and adapt, qualities essential for success in the competitive landscape of professional cricket.
Navigating the Challenges of the IPL
Kuldeep also addressed the inherent difficulties of maintaining a favorable economy rate in the IPL. The league is known for its high-caliber batsmen, making it challenging for bowlers to restrict scoring. “The IPL is very tough for bowlers — it’s highly competitive. You may pick up wickets, but you can’t always expect to maintain an economy of just 6 or 7 runs per over. It’s a challenging format with high-quality players,” he noted.
A Partnership with Axar Patel
Currently partnering with Axar Patel at Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep appreciates the strong bond they share. Their understanding is rooted in a long history, dating back to their U-17 days. “Axar and I have been playing together since our U-17 days, so our understanding is very smooth. We have a very clear-cut communication style. I remember during the U-19 World Cup in 2012, when we won in Australia under Unmukt Chand’s captaincy, we were both in standby.”
Recent Performance
Kuldeep recently showcased his improved bowling form during the match against the Lucknow Super Giants, delivering an economical spell of 4-0-20-2.
Key Takeaways:
- Kuldeep Yadav acknowledges Sunil Narine’s influence on his bowling.
- Narine emphasized the importance of bowling length.
- Maintaining a low economy rate in the IPL is exceptionally challenging.
- Kuldeep shares a strong partnership with Axar Patel.