Kuldeep Yadav opens up on limited selections, says 'normal for me to not get picked...'

The 1st ODI vs West Indies saw Kuldeep Yadav snap 4 for 6 in just three overs to lead India to a five-wicket win.

Kuldeep Yadav

Experiencing periodic exclusions from the playing XI due to specific playing conditions has become a "normal" aspect of Kuldeep Yadav's cricket journey. However, the left-arm wrist spinner maintains that dwelling on lost opportunities over the years is not productive. Instead, he focuses on making the most of every chance that comes his way. In the recent first ODI against the West Indies, Kuldeep showcased his prowess by claiming remarkable figures of 4 for 6 in a mere three overs, ultimately leading India to a commanding five-wicket victory.

For his outstanding performance, Kuldeep Yadav deservedly received the 'Player of the Match award. His googlies, particularly the ones that turned away from right-handed batsmen, proved to be elusive and challenging for the opposition to read and handle.

Now talking to the reporters during the post-match press conference about the game, the spinner said, "Most of the time, when I don't get to play it is because of the situation and combination. It is a normal thing now. I have been playing cricket for so many years, it has been more than six years now. These things are normal".

He, however, went back to speaking about "process" and how he focuses on his length rather than obsessing about taking wickets. "I don't think much about taking wickets now. My focus is more on the process than what length I should be bowling," he said.

Kuldeep, who has taken 19 wickets from 9 ODIs this year, did not consistently find a place in the Indian side during different formats. He was left out of the second Test against Bangladesh despite taking eight wickets, including a fifer and scoring a crucial 40 in the first innings last December.

"Since the past one and half years, when I have returned from the injury, I have tried to bowl on those good lengths. I want to be more consistent with the length, and as far are wickets are concerned, on some days, you will get the wicket, while on others, you won't

"Situation is also very important. I try my variations only when the opposition has lost four or five wickets quickly."

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