Ace Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav recently spoke about the crucial role former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni played in his career. Yadav, who made his international debut under the leadership of Virat Kohli, highlighted Dhoni’s impact behind the stumps. Dhoni’s guidance and insights helped Yadav improve his performance significantly.
His performance dipped after Dhoni retired from ODI
Yadav expressed how much easier it was for him and his fellow spinner Yuzvendra Chahal when Dhoni was keeping wickets. Dhoni’s valuable tips not only simplified their job but also helped them understand the game better. Yadav admitted that his performance dipped after Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020. Without Dhoni’s guidance, Yadav felt the pressure on his shoulders, which took time to adjust to.
Yadav emphasized that Dhoni’s presence made a significant difference in his bowling performance. Dhoni’s ability to read the game and adjust field placements allowed Yadav to focus solely on his bowling. Yadav fondly reminisced about the time spent with Dhoni on and off the field, acknowledging the immense support and guidance he received from the veteran cricketer.
In recent times, Yadav has also worked on his batting skills, which were evident in his performances during the Test series against England. Despite the team management not putting pressure on him to excel in batting, Yadav took it upon himself to contribute to the team’s success. He credited the team management, particularly batting coach Vikram Rathour, for backing him and helping him improve his batting through rigorous practice sessions.
Yadav acknowledged Rathour’s efforts in keeping him relaxed and focused, especially during challenging situations. He highlighted the importance of staying calm and not overthinking, which helped him maintain his composure on the field. Yadav believes that contributing with the bat, especially in Test cricket, can significantly impact the game’s outcome, particularly when the lower order scores runs.
So basically, Yadav expressed gratitude towards Dhoni for his mentorship and credited him for his growth as a cricketer. He also appreciated the support from the team management, which helped him enhance his batting skills and contribute effectively to the team’s success. With continued hard work and dedication, Yadav aims to further solidify his position in the Indian team across all formats of the game.
