IPL 2022: Credit goes to Rishabh Pant for backing me – Kuldeep Yadav

Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav has grown in confidence while playing for the franchise in the ongoing season. Yadav scalped two wickets and conceded 24 runs in his quota of four overs to play an instrumental role in skittling out Punjab Kings at 115 runs at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday.

Kuldeep first dismissed Kagiso Rabada, who didn’t move his feet much. Subsequently, the chinaman bowled a perfect leg-break, which turned and dipped on Nathan Ellis to take off his off-stump.

Kuldeep has now scalped 13 wickets in six matches and he has been Delhi Capitals’ best bowler in the ongoing season. The wrist-spinner gave credit to his captain Rishabh Pant for backing him to the hilt and boosting his confidence.

On the other hand, Kuldeep added he would like to share the Player of the Match award with his teammate, Axar Patel. Patel accounted for Jitesh Sharma and dangerous Liam Livingstone and conceded only 10 runs in his quota of four overs. Kuldeep gave credit to Axar Patel for bowling well in the middle overs and keeping the pressure on the opposition.

Kuldeep Yadav said in the post-match presentation, “I would like to share this award with Axar. He bowled well and took important wickets in the middle. I have played a lot against KG (Rabada) and I know he does not move his feet much, my plan was to bowl one chinaman and then the googly. The second wicket was due to Rishabh telling to bowl from round the wicket. To be very honest, I have got plenty of confidence this season and I am also mentally clear with my role. I just focus on my line and length and not on what the batter is going to do. I don’t watch videos now, when you are very confused you watch videos to see what a batter might do. I am enjoying my bowling after a long time and the credit goes to Rishabh for backing me. That gives a lot of confidence for a bowler and that is a plus point for us.”

Meanwhile, David Warner played a blistering knock of 60 runs off just 30 balls to help his team win convincingly. Warner scored his 53rd IPL fifty and gave credit to the bowlers, who made their job easier.

Warner said after the game, “I think the bowlers did a fantastic job and made it easier for us. We had to go hard in the powerplay during the chase. It was a different surface compared to the last night, but credit to our bowlers. Was grateful that we were able to get out of our rooms and play tonight. I was just trying to be positive and am happy to have played with Shaw. For me, it’s about sticking to the basics and I tried to put my best footwork forward, hopefully, I’ll be able to do going forward. My kids just want to know why I cannot get a hundred like Jos (Buttler) does. It’s great that the little ones around the world keep watching this game.”

DC will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.