‘Favorite tha toh khilaaya kyu nahi?’: Kuldeep Yadav's coach takes brutal dig at Dinesh Karthik; here's why

Jan 02, 2023 07:31 AM IST

After his rich exploits in IPL 2022, Kuldeep Yadav made a strong return to the national side and has been a consistent performer whenever given an opportunity.

Ever since switching allegiance from Kolkata Knight Riders to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav's stagnant career witnessed an upward curve. The Chinaman finished as the leading wicket-taker from the Delhi camp, scalping a total of 21 wickets from 14 matches. Soon after his rich exploits in the lucrative T20 league, Kuldeep made a strong return to the national side and has been a consistent performer whenever given an opportunity.

Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after picking a wicket with teammates(AP/File Photo)
Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after picking a wicket with teammates(AP/File Photo)

However, this wasn't the case up until 2021. Despite being among India's lethal spinner, Kuldeep had to fight for a place in the playing XI. For the Knight Riders, Kuldeep made just 13 appearances in three seasons and didn't get a single opportunity in IPL 2021.

Sharing his views on the same, Kuldeep's coach Kapil Pandey was extremely critical of the Knight Riders management and even slammed then skipper Dinesh Karthik for overlooking his ward.

Also Read | ‘It will be very crucial’: Irfan Pathan issues big warning concerning Hardik Pandya 'being made long-term captain’

Launching a scathing attack on the wicketkeeper-batter, the coach during an interaction with Sportskeeda said: "When he was with Kolkata and Karthik was the captain, he used to give him just 1-2 overs each game. Now he says that Kuldeep is his favorite Indian bowler.

"Favorite tha toh usko khelaya kyu nahi? Usko khilaate? (If he was your favorite bowler then why didn't you play him?) But that’s okay, that’s past now and I believe the future will be great for Kuldeep."

While Kuldeep was one of India's mainstay until 2019, he made just seven appearances each in all formats combined in 2020 and the following year.

BCCI Review meeting key takeaways: Yo-Yo Test returns, 20 players shortlisted for ODI World Cup

While things were slightly difficult in 2020, with Covid forcing sports to take a backseat, sports returned in full throttle in 2021. The previous year, however, brought some respite to Kuldeep as he made a total of 11 appearances in all three formats, where he scalped a total of 23 wickets.

Kuldeep was dropped for the second Test against Bangladesh despite emerging as the Player of the Match in the opening encounter, which drew flaks from most corner. He is now part of India ODI squad for the home series against Sri Lanka and will most probably be part of the playing XI considering the wickets in the sub-continent.

Catch all the Latest Cricket News and Live score along with IPL 2023 and IPL schedule related updates on Hindustan Times
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, June 01, 2023
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals