Kuldeep Yadav Recalls The Advice Given To Him By Anil Kumble Before His Test Debut

Kuldeep Yadav revealed the advice given to him by then India coach Anil Kumble and how it motivated him ahead of his Test debut. Kuldeep Yadav played his first Test match against Australia in 2017. Read below for further details.

Team India left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is no doubt one of the leading wicket-taker in the team currently. Kuldeep recently revealed the advice former India coach Anil Kumble gave to him ahead of his Test debut against Australia in 2017 which motivated him to put forth an impressive performance.

Speaking to NDTV, Kuldeep Yadav said, “Anil Kumble had helped me a lot in my first series. When I had come into the team, he kept giving me inputs on my bowling.”

The wily spinner then went on to reveal Kumble’s motivational words. Kuldeep said, “On the day before my Test debut, he told me at lunch that you have to take five wickets.” Recalling the moment, the spinner added, “I couldn’t respond for a few moments, but then said I’ll definitely do it.”

Well, it seems like Kumble’s words worked wonders for the debutant who then bowled an unforgettable spell in the first innings of the Test in Dharamsala, and chipped David Warner as his first international wicket.

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However, Yadav felt short of his 5-wicket haul promise to Kumble, but his 4-68 helped India win the series decider and cemented the bowler’s place in the team.

Later in the conversation, Kuldeep Yadav also credited former India skipper MS Dhoni for always supporting him. He said that whenever he played with Dhoni, he never felt the absence of a coach.

Kuldeep further added that the former World Cup-winning captain would speak to him and give him a lot of advice. The 25-year old spinner said that Dhoni would always ask him to focus on spinning the ball, and from behind the stumps, he would release the pressure.

Kuldeep then mentioned that as a senior player Dhoni always supported him and Yuzvendra Chahal. He admired Dhoni for handling both of them very well.

Kuldeep concluded by saying that Virat Kohli was always there for them but Dhoni’s presence played a crucial role.