'When coach backs you like this, it motivates you' - Kuldeep Yadav credits Ricky Ponting for stellar form in IPL 2022

Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav hailed his head coach Ricky Ponting for backing him to do the job and instilling him with enough confidence to excel at the biggest of the stages. Yadav has been one of the stories of the IPL 2022 edition from not getting enough chances in the last two editions of IPL with the KKR set up and going on to become one of the top wicket-takers this season with the Delhi Capitals.

The left-arm spinner has picked up 13 wickets in seven games so far and he has managed to turn around games for his side as well in crunch times. The 27-year-old has had a tough time in international cricket as well as in IPL for the last two years in terms of opportunities and he has definitely shown the impact he can have if he is backed up.

He has the confidence in you and hence your performance will surely come: Kuldeep Yadav

Yadav revealed the first conversation with Ponting in the Delhi Capitals set-up when the latter had motivated him that he will get to play all the 14 games. He added that he was highly inspired by the words from Ponting and felt that performances will automatically come if any player gets the backing he has had from the Australian. He also noted how happy he has been since making a move to Delhi which has turned into performances.

“When you get the freedom, and the chance to express yourself, you enjoy things. I remember, it was my first practice session and I had a chat with Ricky. The way he motivated me, I loved every part of it. I was coming from a different team and hadn’t played IPL in the last 2 years,” Kuldeep spoke on an episode of the Delhi Capitals podcast.

“Ricky told me ‘You are bowling well. I want you to play all 14 games. That is my approach. Don’t worry about anything. If you need something, we are here to help. When your coach backs you like this, it motivates you. He has confidence in you and hence your performance will surely come. When you start enjoying the company, you get a sense of happiness. When you are free mentally, the performances start coming out gradually,” he added.