For professional cricketers, absence from the playing XI can be as challenging as facing world-class batsmen. India’s left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has spoken openly about the mental and technical battles he faced during his recent return to international cricket, offering a candid look into the pressures of elite sport.
The Struggle of Rhythm and Match Fitness
Kuldeep acknowledged that being left out during the England tour tested his resolve. While training sessions kept him physically active, he emphasized that nothing replaces the rhythm and match fitness gained from regular game time. Bowling long spells in the Duleep Trophy, even without wickets, proved crucial in restoring confidence and helping him find his groove again. Observing from the sidelines also gave him an opportunity to analyze strategies and rethink how he might approach similar situations when back on the field.
In the current tournament, Kuldeep has impressed with his wicket-taking strike rate, yet he remains humble about his numbers. He believes every T20 game presents a fresh challenge because of the format’s speed and volatility. Reading batsmen quickly and minimizing mistakes, he says, is the true test of a spinner in the shortest format. For him, constant self-assessment is the only way to know whether he is truly bowling well.
Technical Adjustments and Muscle Memory
Since 2022, Kuldeep has reworked his run-up, release point, and bowling speed. These refinements took time but have now become second nature, allowing him to stay consistent even after breaks. He credits video analysis as a key tool in fine-tuning his mechanics, pointing out that for wrist spinners, the smallest changes in release and follow-through can determine success.
Team Chemistry and Defined Roles
Within India’s spin department, clarity of roles has been vital. Kuldeep’s job is to strike in the middle overs, Varun Chakravarthy adapts across phases, and Axar Patel often provides control. That balance, Kuldeep says, comes from trust, communication, and the shared experience of playing T20 cricket at the highest level.
Mindset Against Rivals and Handling Pressure
While his record against Pakistan has drawn attention, Kuldeep insists that his approach does not change based on the opposition. Each batsman, he explains, poses a unique challenge. Preparation, familiarity, and focus matter more than the jersey on the other side.
Coping with Non-Selection and Mental Health
Kuldeep credited clear communication from coach Rahul Dravid during non-selection phases, but admitted the mental challenge of staying motivated while not playing. Rather than blaming circumstances, he chose to use the time productively to work on fitness and bowling volume. Football, his second sporting passion, also plays a role in helping him stay mentally fresh and engaged with the dynamics of team sport.
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As India prepare for their clash with Oman, Kuldeep underlined the need for consistency regardless of the opponent. He remains focused on maintaining intensity and learning from both successes and failures, stressing that every game is an opportunity to improve
Kuldeep Yadav’s reflections reveal the unseen side of professional cricket: the silent battles with rhythm, the technical fine-tuning, and the psychological resilience required to thrive. His story underscores that international success is built not just on talent, but on patience, preparation, and the ability to grow through setbacks Via Press Conference .
