Kapil Pandey, the coach of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, praised head coach Rahul Dravid and senior players like Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma for their support in helping Yadav turn his fortunes around. Last year, the 28-year-old had a setback when he damaged his knee during the IPL and required surgery in September.
Following the knee injury, the spinner sustained a hairline fracture in his wrist, keeping him out for the most of the year. However, the time away from the game allowed him to improve on his rhythm at the NCA, where he was keen to make a better return and was supported by the team’s senior players and head coach.
“When he was injured and at the NCA, Rohit Sharma was there for him, and naturally, Dravid has done the same. “As a result, the captain, coach, and even veteran players like Virat Kohli play an important part in supporting him and assisting him in making a return,” Kapil remarked.
After failing to get a single game in the IPL 2021, it looked that Kuldeep might be kept off the national team. However, his coach claimed that it was his drive and efforts that resulted in a successful recovery.
“Kuldeep has put forth a lot of effort to make his return. We worked on his speed together, and he continued to put in the effort whether or not he was on the squad. His efforts were rewarded when he was selected for Delhi in the IPL and went on to take 21 wickets. Kuldeep has never given up and always found a way to return from injuries. “We groomed him so that he would be ready to play all three forms for India,” he continued.
Kuldeep had a fantastic recovery in India’s first Test victory against Bangladesh, picking up eight wickets across both innings and playing a crucial 40-run knock. He will want to solidify his place in the squad with the ODI World Cup on the horizon.
