All eyes on Kuldeep as local boy turns up for Kanpur ODI
Though the Chinaman bowler sat out the second ODI in Pune, he could be key for India at Green Park
KANPUR: For the 80-odd trainees at Kanpur’s Rovers Club, the third and final ODI between India and New Zealand on Sunday will not merely be about cheering for the home team’s series win but also about learning from ‘big brother’ Kuldeep Yadav.
Club coach Kapil Pandey has told his trainees to watch the performance of their senior teammate Kuldeep, if he plays, and try and learn from him.
“I have got requests from several people, including my trainees, but for me managing tickets or passes for so many people is almost impossible. I have asked the trainees to watch Kuldeep by buying tickets on their own or on TV,” Kapil told Hindustan Times.
The 22-year-old Chinaman bowler has come on leaps and bounds since his India debut in the final Test against Australia at Dharamsala in March. After his match-winning four-wicket haul in that decider, he has made a splash as an attacking limitedovers bowler too.
“We’re excited… it would really be a proud moment for all of us; it was my dream to see him playing live (for India), Kuldeep’s success has inspired me to encourage others to follow in his foot-steps and make India proud,” said Kapil, who will be the net in-charge at Green Park.
“On a slow surface like in Green Park, a bowler like Kuldeep would be a big asset as he loves to give loop to his deliveries. Unlike Mumbai where the ball was coming on at a steady pace, there is possibility of slow turn and this will make batting difficult ” said the coach. Kapil was proud of ward, who took a hattrick against Australia. “I always tell him to toss his deliveries at the good length as it keeps the batsman guessing and makes things easier for a bowler like him.”
Kuldeep’s parents though will not attend the game, but watch on TV. “You may call it superstition but we feel our presence at the ground may divert Kuldeep or put extra pressure on him, if he gets to play in the final ODI,” father Ram Singh Yadav told Hindustan Times.
“We have passes for the match and Kuldeep too has not told us anything, (but) we are doing this on our own.”
Kuldeep went for 64 runs in his 10 overs in the Mumbai ODI. Tom Latham and Ross Taylor were ruthless with their sweep shots in a six-wicket win for the Kiwis.
“I don’t know anything about sweep shot or leg spin, but I know it’s just the beginning for him. When Kuldeep started playing, I never thought he would ever be playing for the country,” his father said.
HOME VISIT
Kuldeep rushed home after the India team landed Kanpur on Thursday evening and spend some time with his family.
“He had food cooked at home by his mother and sisters. It was a family gathering. Neither did he talk about the game nor did we ask,” said a close family friend. “The excitement of playing before the home crowd was very much on his face; we are all anxiously waiting for that moment.”