Former India player Mohammad Kaif hailed the class of Kuldeep Yadav in the Delhi Capitals’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants on 24 March by one wicket.
Kaif feels that when other bowlers of DC were getting hit with ease, Kuldeep used his experience very well. He took the wickets of Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni, giving away just 20 runs in four overs when LSG managed to score a massive total of 209/8 in 20 overs.
For Delhi, the victory did not come with ease. They lost five wickets in just seven overs. At that time, Axar Patel’s side scored just 65 runs.
With a massive total to chase, LSG winning the opening game of their IPL 2025 journey looked likely. However, Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 and Vipraj Nigam’s firing 39 runs made sure that DC won their IPL opener by one wicket.
Kaif did praise Impact Player Ashutosh. However, he sees Kuldeep as the real match-winner.
Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports: “Kuldeep Yadav was the difference in the end. He bowled 15 dot balls in a match that saw more than 400 runs being scored. Kuldeep was the most economical bowler and also took two wickets. He often goes under the radar. I feel Rohit Sharma used him to perfection in the Champions Trophy. He came to the IPL with some form under his belt.”
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra also backed Kaif on hailing Kuldeep’s contribution.
Chopra said: “Imagine a bowler giving just 20 runs from his 4 overs in IPL. He didn’t give runs at all and helped DC in stopping Lucknow from putting a big total on the board.”
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