World Cup 2023: Need a couple of early wickets to get on top of the game – Kuldeep Yadav on facing New Zealand in semifinal

India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav reckons it will be crucial for them to get a couple of early wickets to get on top of the game in the first semifinal against New Zealand, which will be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday.

India won all of their nine matches in the league stage of the World Cup to finish at the top of the standings whereas New Zealand won five matches to finish at the fourth place. When these two teams had met earlier in the tournament, India had won by four wickets after Mohammed Shami bagged a five-wicket haul while Virat Kohli scored a match-winning knock of 95 runs.

“It is a difficult venue to bowl. The bounce is true and batsmen often dominate there. Unlike in T20, of course, the bowlers have plenty of time to come back into the game. But yes, you need a couple of early wickets to get on top of the game and opponents,” Kuldeep said while speaking to the reporters.

Meanwhile, India was knocked out by New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semifinals but Kuldeep put it under the carpet as he said that both teams have played a lot of cricket since then.

“The 2019 semi-finals (against NZ) was four years ago. We have played a lot of bilateral series after that, so we know the conditions in India and so do they. Our preparation has been good and we have been able to play good cricket throughout the tournament. So, we expect to continue in the same vein in the next match as well,” Kuldeep added.

Kuldeep has picked up 14 wickets in nine games at an impressive average of 22.28 and an economy of less than 4.20 in the ongoing ODI showpiece. The Uttar Pradesh spinner said his focus is on the process rather than on wickets.

“I just work on my rhythm and strengths and focus on how batsmen are trying to play me. My aim is to land the ball on the good length area as much as possible. I just keep focusing on the process rather than on wickets. Hopefully, it will work in the next match also,” Kuldeep said.

Kuldeep returned with impressive figures of 2-41 against the Netherlands and he will look to continue the good show against the Kiwis in the all-important semis.