Kuldeep Yadav credits Indian pace attack for success in World Cup
Hospice. Indian Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav credits the Indian ‘pace attack’ for their impressive start to the Cricket World Cup on home soil as they became one of only two teams to remain undefeated with four impressive wins.
After bowling out both Australia and Pakistan for under 200 and taking eight wickets each against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, India have taken 36 wickets in their four matches so far.
“It is very important to get a good start from the first powerplay. Jasprit and Siraj have done really well,” Kuldeep told ICC.
“Not only giving us wickets, but also probably stopping runs when me and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) come to bowl.”
“We have always got one or two wickets, only today (against Bangladesh) we felt they got a very good start.”
While the batsmen, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have scored big as India chased their four targets, the bowling attack has been equally important in setting up each win.
Bumrah, who returned after injury, has had an excellent performance in the World Cup after the Asia Cup, taking the second most wickets in the tournament so far with 10, while Siraj and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have both taken five wickets. ,
There are concerns over Hardik Pandya’s return to the team after he injured his ankle while bowling against Bangladesh, with Mohammed Shami likely to replace him, leading the Indian pace attack along with Bumrah and Siraj.
Kuldeep said, “We are just working on the length and we are keeping it very simple, me and Jaddu Bhai.”
“We are getting good wickets as well, but it is very important to keep it very simple and maintain that in every match.”
“If you take early wickets in the middle overs, it definitely gives you confidence and it also controls the run rate.”
Jadeja has played both roles, taking seven wickets and bowling at the fourth-best economy rate in the tournament at 3.75.
Kuldeep has been one of the best bowlers with six wickets at the seventh-best economy rate of 4.1 runs per over.
India are set to take on New Zealand in a top-flight blockbuster in Dharamsala on Sunday.
–IANS
