For a man who spent most of the last six months on the sidelines, the Yadav Kuldeep has a way to get people to sit down when he finally gets the ball in his hand. One of those evenings was Wednesday’s Night Opener Asia Cup against UAE in Dubai. The wrist wrist from the left shoulder turned the struggle into a personal showcase and gave the magic that was less unfortunate opposition and more about the cricket of the world level, which never knows and always finds a way to deliver. After warming up the bench for all five tests in England Kuldeep finally got his chance and looked fit and sharper than ever.
After half a year he played his first match for India and Kuldeep sent his detectives an exciting message: It is Indian Spinner No. 1 and left it at his own risk. In reports, he recently did not play the only pear-kuleep to tear the UAE batting order to prepare the soil for the Indian nine bags without sweating. He and Shivam Dube shared seven goals among them, but it was the stuffing of the host really knocked out the characters of 4 wrist 4 for 7. Three of these four goals came one. India would as well as Sae steam, but Kuldeep made it easier and easier.
In many ways, it was a pity that Kuldeep’s special night in India had to come against the unfortunate SAE. But it was not about the quality of the opposition – it was about his long waiting and rejection he felt throughout the test series in England, which made this night strange.
His last international match came in March this year, and 50-Over game against New Zealand in the final of Trophy Champions. His last goal in the T20i format dates back to 27 June 2024 against England at home. On Wednesday, one over teasing and torture, he grabbed three – he pulled the first, fourth and sixth ball – to pack the game. Found UAE on 47 for 2, let them adjust to 50 in 5 and later returned to finish them to 57 all out.
Kuldeep, introduced after the powerplay, first bowed to the flying delivery. Rahul Chopra went to a big hit, but couldn’t get the distance. SHUBMAN GILL has moved to the right to complete the catch. On the fourth ball the same, Muhammad Waseem was imprisoned LBW and at the last delivery Harshit Kaushik was bowed. Returned in 14th place and removed Haider Ali to close the shifts. It ended with exceptional 4/7 numbers in just 2.1 overs, with an economy of 3.23.
Kuldeet’s return turned into a blockbuster for the sparse crowd Dubai, who dared exhausting heat and humidity. For India, it packed the most easier victory of nine goals.
All this – waiting, mind adjustment and method – liberated Kuldeep and increased bowling to a level where bats feared him. He showed why he had to play every game in this format, not only because it is the most difficult, but also because it is most important and has developed the most. He found the true essence of his craft and gave perfection to the already Indian intimidating bowling cartel.
The performance caused shining praise from the former Indian opening Robin Uthappa to the complex victory of India. “It was good to see how well he played yesterday. It was so long and it seems to be improving. I looked at his numbers – his economic rate and goals – and I feel that they really underestimate his value. Don’t go about the size of man.
Uthappa explained that Kuldeep’s aggressive edge has roots in its interaction with Shane Warne. “I remember talking about the time he worked with Shane Warne. The conversations he had with Warn was about thinking – the aggressive nature of the bowler.
Kuldeep does not complain, does not fit bouts of anger, but whenever he gets the ball, he adds. Against UAE could look routine, but every goal, every gentle drift, was a quiet statement. Indian Spinner waited, observed and improved and let the ball talk. Nights like this-when they create a spectacle of rotation, lubrication and control-that are not rare. They are Kuldeep Nights, Nights, when every Batsman feels he is ready to throw himself.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
September 11, 2025
