All eyes on Kuldeep’s homecoming
BIG ASSET 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 one-dayer between India and New Zealand on Sunday will not merely 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 as@ked the trainees to watch Kuldeep by buying tickets on their own or on TV,” he said.
The 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh Chinaman bowler has come on leaps and bounds since his sensational 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 limited-overs 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,” Kapil said.
“Kuldeep’s success has inspired me to encourage others in the club to follow in his footsteps and make India proud,” said Kapil, who will be the net in-charge at Green Park ahead of Sunday’s game. “On a slow surface like in Green Park, a Chinaman bowler like Kuldeep would be a big asset as he loves to give loop to his deliveries. Unlike Mumbai (1st ODI) where the ball was coming on at a steady pace, there is possibility of slow turn (in Kanpur) and this will make batting difficult for Kiwis,” said the coach.
Kapil was proud of ward, who took a hat-trick against Australia in the ODI at Eden Gardens. “I 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 said.
“We have passes for the match and Kuldeep too has not told us anything, (but) we are doing this on our own.”
Kuldeep, who has taken nine wickets in two Tests, 19 wickets in 12 ODIs and five wickets in four T20Is, went for 64 runs in his 10 overs in the Mumbai ODI. Tom Latham (103*) and Ross Taylor (95) were ruthless with their sweep shots to set up a six-wicket win for the Kiwis.
“I don’t know about sweep shot or leg spin, but I know it’s just the beginning for him. He has a long way to go. 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 in Kanpur 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 about it,” 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.”
We have passes for the match and Kuldeep too has not told us anything, (but) we are doing this on our own. RAM YADAV, Kuldeep’s father On a slow surface like in Green Park, a bowler like Kuldeep would be a big asset as he loves to give loop. KAPIL PANDEY, Kuldeep’s coach