By Manvindar Singh 
A Statement Performance
India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against UAE turned into a one-sided affair, largely thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s magical spell of 4/7. The left-arm wristspinner, named Player of the Match, admitted it was a personal triumph after months of limited opportunities.
“It was tough for me,” Kuldeep said after the game. “I was working on my bowling and fitness with Adrian le Roux (Strength & Conditioning coach), and everything clicked perfectly tonight.”
Reading the Game, Ball by Ball
Kuldeep emphasised that his success was not just about rhythm but also understanding the batters’ intent.
“In this format, length matters a lot,” he explained. “It’s about reading what the batters are trying to do and reacting to it on the very next ball. That’s what helped me stay one step ahead.”
This sharp game awareness was on full display when he ripped through UAE’s middle order, taking three wickets in a single over. His variations forced mistakes from set batters and broke the backbone of the innings.
Fitness and Mental Resilience
Having spent India’s England tour on the bench, Kuldeep used the time to sharpen both body and mind. His work with le Roux has clearly paid dividends, giving him the endurance and sharpness required for impactful short-format spells.
The bowler admitted that staying patient was not easy but credited his training for keeping him match-ready.
Kuldeep’s spell reminded everyone why he remains a key figure in India’s T20 plans. With the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup on the horizon, his ability to strike in the middle overs could prove pivotal for India’s campaign.
For now, the UAE game marked not just a dominant Indian win but also the return of a bowler who thrives on rhythm, craft, and confidence.
Zainab Shafiq