'Kuldeep Yadav’s career is protected because of Rohit Sharma' - Wrist spinner's childhood coach credits India skipper

Kuldeep Yadav was once a lethal spinner for India who bamboozled the best batters with ease. He along with Yuzvendra Chahal fondly known as ‘KulCha’ have bowled many memorable spells for the Men In Blue. Kuldeep’s dream delivery to castle Babar Azam during the 2019 World Cup clash was also considered the ‘Ball of the Century’.

Unfortunately for him, after the quadrennial event, he failed to create much of an impact as a result of which he was in and out of the national side for the next couple of years. The UP cricketer is showcasing outstanding performances in the ongoing IPL 2022 and his childhood coach reckons that is courtesy of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma that the spin bowler’s international career is still protected.

Whenever captains trusted him, Kuldeep delivered: Kapil Dev Pandey

“Whenever captains trusted him, Kuldeep delivered. He has a good record in Tests. He has two hat-tricks in ODIs. He has a good T20I record. But still, he didn’t get enough opportunities. This is really shocking. Kuldeep’s career is protected because of Rohit Sharma. Rohit is the man behind Kuldeep’s resurgence.

“He is a fantastic captain and he knows how to find talent in a big group of players. Ahead of the IPL, Rohit called Kuldeep and gave him the chance (against the West Indies). Kuldeep delivered too by taking two wickets,” Kapil Dev Pandey told the Times of India.

After being released by the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep Yadav was roped in by the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2022 and he has lived up to their expectations by registering 17 scalps to his name from nine matches that also include two four-wicket hauls. He is second on the Purple Cap list which is currently led by his good friend Yuzvendra Chahal who has 19 wickets.

With consistent performances in the upcoming fixtures, the Kanpur cricketer would be hoping to put the national selectors on notice as they prepare to pick the squads for this year’s Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.