After claiming his maiden five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Monday, September 11, Kuldeep Yadav highlighted the return of his bowling rhythm and his enjoyment of the craft as reasons for his exceptional display.
“It is the consistency from the last one and half years, I have got my rhythm back and am enjoying my bowling,” he said after helping India seal an emphatic 228-run win. “It is good to get five wickets. I am just thinking about bowling on a good length. It is amazing to get five wickets in ODIs or Tests.”
After rain had interrupted the match 24.1 overs into India’s innings on Sunday, the teams returned to the R Premadasa Stadium on Monday and India piled up a formidable total of 356-2 on the back of superb centuries from Virat Kohli (122*) and KL Rahul (111*).
Pakistan’s chase never got going, with the early dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam before another rain delay. Kuldeep, who finished with figures of 5-25, then played a pivotal role in dismantling the rest of the batting line-up.