Indian wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav opened up about his rollercoaster journey in the IPL, expressing regret over his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and crediting the Delhi Capitals (DC) for his recent resurgence.
Kuldeep, known for his deceptive left-arm chinaman bowling, rose to prominence during his stint with KKR from 2016 to 2021. However, his effectiveness dipped, especially in the last three seasons of his stay with the franchise. Despite initial backing, KKR eventually benched him for the entire 2021 season.
‘It still hurts me’: Kuldeep Yadav opens up on his time at KKR
“Looking back, it hurts,” Yadav said while talking at an event on Monday in New Delhi. “Now, when I see myself bowling with this confidence and these skills. I can’t help but feel I could have achieved so much more back then at KKR.“
The regret stems from a belief that he could have dominated the game to a greater extent had he possessed the skills he has developed now. “There were things I wish I had worked on back then,” he admitted. “The experience I have now allows me to be a more well-rounded bowler. Something I perhaps lacked during those KKR years. I still regret my time in KKR (from 2016-2020). I feel whatever I am doing now, wish I could have done it back then.“
Kuldeep’s fortunes took a turn for the better after he was picked up by the DC in 2022 IPL auction. He has become a pivotal part of their bowling attack, picking up 41 wickets in just 33 matches for the franchise. His success with DC has also translated back to the international stage, solidifying his position as a key spinner for India.
