Key Points

Amit Mishra believes Kuldeep Yadav should get his chance in the Asia Cup. He advises Kuldeep to focus on his natural variation and wicket-taking ability rather than worrying about runs conceded. Mishra suggests Kuldeep communicate with team leadership about field settings and bowling strategy. The former spinner remains confident that Kuldeep's talent will shine through with the right mindset.

Key Points: Amit Mishra Backs Wicket-Taker Kuldeep Yadav for Asia Cup

  • Mishra emphasizes Kuldeep's natural ball and wicket-taking prowess
  • Kuldeep has 69 wickets in 40 T20Is with impressive economy
  • Former spinner advises communication with captain about field settings
  • Kuldeep's Champions Trophy performance vital to India's title win
3 min read

He should focus on his natural ball: Mishra backs wicket-taker Kuldeep to shine for India

Former spinner Amit Mishra urges Kuldeep Yadav to focus on his natural variation and wicket-taking ability in Asia Cup, backing him to shine for India.

"He is a wicket-taker bowler. He should focus on the wicket and not on how many sixes or fours he is conceding. - Amit Mishra"

By Parv Anand, New Delhi, September 9

Former leg-spinner Amit Mishra wants India's premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav to remember that he is a breakthrough artist and has urged him to fixate on his natural variation on the UAE strips in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Kuldeep was vital to India's title-winning run in the Champions Trophy, and since then, he has languished in the shadows. He boarded the plane to England but didn't make a single appearance despite several pleas from fans and former cricketers. Kuldeep once again features in India's 15-member contingent for the Asia Cup.

However, the current theme subtly hints at Kuldeep's continued absence due to the team's combination. Despite all the speculations, Mishra anticipates Kuleep to get his due opportunity. The seasoned spinner hopes Kuldeep keeps the centre of attention on scalping wickets and not the amount of runs he ends up giving.

"I think he should get a chance, but the most important thing is that he should focus on his natural ball. He is a wicket-taker bowler. He should keep his mind right. He should talk to people like Gautam and the captain about the kind of field he wants and how to bowl. I think he will get a chance here," Mishra told ANI.

"He is a good talent, but he should remember that he is a wicket-taker bowler. He should focus on the wicket and not on how many sixes or fours he is conceding. According to the wicket and the situation, the bowling can change. You should always think about the wicket. You should think about the field and how to bowl. He will get a lot of help from that," he added.

Once defined as one of India's "trump cards" by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Kuldeep has exhibited his prowess in 40 T20Is by scything 69 wickets at 14.07, while maintaining an economy of 6.77, while striking at 12.4. Last year, he returned with 18 wickets from 14 appearances for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh. Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Mishra makes a valid point. Wicket-takers win you tournaments, not containing bowlers. Kuldeep's variations are his strength. Hope he gets proper backing from the team management this time.
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Ananya R
So true! We saw what happened in England tour - kept him warming benches while others struggled. Kuldeep-Chahal combo was deadly once upon a time. Bring back the magic! ✨
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Michael C
While I agree Kuldeep deserves chances, team combination is also important. We have multiple spin options now. But his wicket-taking ability is special - hope he gets games against Pakistan and other strong teams.
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Priya S
Economy rate of 6.77 in T20s is actually very good for a wrist spinner! Mishra is right - he shouldn't worry about conceding boundaries sometimes. Wicket-takers change games. Hope he plays against Pakistan! 🏏
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Vikram M
Finally someone speaking sense! We've been wasting Kuldeep's talent for too long. His chinaman bowling is unique and can trouble any batsman. Team management needs to show more faith in specialists.

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