Kuldeep Yadav hits back at troll for abusive remark over 2023 ODI World Cup final loss

Star Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav recently hit back with a sharp response to a social media troll who targeted him for his performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. The incident occurred exactly one year after India's disappointing six-wicket loss in the summit clash to Australia.

The World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium saw India's dream run come to a heartbreaking end, despite their undefeated streak leading up to the title match. In that game, Yadav's figures of 0/56 became a point of criticism, which eventually restricted the hosts to defending a target of 241 runs.

While several Indian players faced criticism on social media as November 19 marked a year to the defeat, a particular user on X (formerly Twitter) specifically targeted Kuldeep with abusive language, questioning why he wasn't being hit like his teammates. 

"Sabki pelai ho rhi but Is [***] ko koi kyun nhi pel rha (Everyone is getting hammered, but why is he not being hit)," the user wrote on X.

Instead of ignoring the message, the spinner chose to confront the troll with a response, "Hanji kis cheez ki dikkat hai apko, itna pyara likhne ke liye paise mile ya koi Jati dus mani hai?" (What's your problem, are you being paid to write such lovely things or is this some personal fight?).

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The spinner's response has caught immense attention, drawing focus to the broader issue of social media toxicity that athletes often face. Currently, Kuldeep is recovering from a chronic groin issue at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, which has resulted in his absence from the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia. His last appearance was in the home Test series against New Zealand, where he claimed three wickets in the opening match before being replaced by Washington Sundar.