Young India spinner Kuldeep Yadav is currently in brilliant form in 50-overs format and is slowly establishing a place for himself in the Indian squad for upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. He ended with bowling figures of 3/51 in India vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI and was named 'Player of the match' for his three-wicket haul, which helped the hosts seal three-match ODI series 2-0. In his eight ODI games he played for the Blues last year, Kuldeep picked 12 wickets with an economy rate of just under 5.
Ex-India pacer Irfan Pathan was among several others who praised Yadav for his bowling heroics in 2nd ODI at the Eden Gardens. Irfan, in a tweet, analysed the changes Kuldeep made to his bowling routine.
"Kuldeep Yadav has changed his run up angle that has changed his alignment & that is helping him to bowl quicker. Fantastic work by him," Irfan wrote on Twitter.
Expressing dismay to Pathan's analysis, ex-India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan blasted him for his comments and explained that the extra pacer does not help spinners.
"I don’t know what was discussed on commentary. Bowling fast does not help a spinner. You HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD, BALANCE YOUR BODY will allow Kuldeep to spin more through the air, hence being more effective. MORE SPIN MORE BITE OF THE PITCH, that’s why they are called Spinners," said Laxman.
"If they bowl quick it will skid of the pitch and not be effective. Bowling slower through the air, spinning more and a good finish is required. Bowl with the body and not your hand alone," he added.
Kuldeep had replaced Yuzvendra Chahal in India XI for 2nd vs Sri Lanka as the latter wasn't available due to a sore right shoulder. India vs Sri Lanka 3rd and final ODI will be played in Thiruvananthapuram, Sunday.