India left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav relished a stellar outing with the ball against arch-rivals Pakistan on the reserve day of the Asia Cup clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Following team India’s dominating 228-run win, Kuldeep opened up on tje technical adjustments he made to succeed in the One-Day format.

Notably, Kuldeep dazzled with the ball as he claimed a magnificent five-wicket haul and gave just 25 runs in his eight overs at a brilliant economy of 3.12. Following the mammoth win, Kuldeep highlighted that he changed his run-up after the knee surgery and worked on having an aggressive approach which has garnered him more wickets in recent times. 

"I have been playing regularly for the past one and half years after my knee surgery. My run-up has gone a bit straight. There is more aggression in my bowling rhythm, the approach to the crease is good, and perhaps earlier my bowling hand used to fall a lot, it's under control now and it is now facing more towards the batsman," said Kuldeep during the post-match presentation.

"At the same time, I have not lost my spin and drift, it is still there and my pace has also gone up. That's why it is helping me. For some time now, I have only been thinking about hitting those good lengths consistently, it gives you more chances of taking wickets. (Am bowling) a bit more aggressive as well, hitting the stumps every time, that's really helping me a lot,” he added.

Will always cherish this fifer against Pakistan: Kuldeep Yadav

Delighted with his five-wicket haul against the Men in Green, a jubilant Kuldeep further expressed that such performances helps ‘boost’ the morale and he would cherish it even after calling time on his career.

"When you pick up five wickets against a big team, it really boosts your morale. Whenever I retire, I will always cherish this fifer against Pakistan,” he added.

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Following the resounding win against Pakistan, the Men in Blue will square off against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 12, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A victory against the Lankan Lions will help Rohit Sharma and Co. inch one step closer to making a place in the summit clash of the ACC event.