It is not common for a team captain to publicly criticize a senior player following a loss, but Delhi Capitals’ captain Axar Patel did just that after a significant defeat to Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday. He remarked, without being prompted, that he felt the absence of his teammate during the bowling phase, stating, “When we were bowling, I missed my partner.”
This comment was aimed at Kuldeep Yadav, who is part of one of the more formidable spin combinations in the Indian Premier League, yet has struggled to deliver consistent performances this season.
Prior to the match, Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach Munaf Patel expressed optimism that the team would benefit from slower pitch conditions as the tournament progressed. However, on a pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium that was favorable for spin bowling, Kuldeep faced challenges against batters Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma, conceding 34 runs in three overs without taking a wicket.
This performance is not an isolated incident; the left-arm wrist-spinner has had a disappointing season overall. In 10 matches, he has managed to take only seven wickets, with a troubling economy rate of 10.37 runs per over and a bowling average exceeding 44.
During challenging times in his career, Kuldeep has consistently sought advice from his longtime coach, Kapil Pandey, who has played a significant role in his recovery from injuries and surgeries. Pandey has also helped him regain his effectiveness when doubts were raised about his performance due to a decrease in pace, which allowed batsmen to adjust their play.
After watching Kuldeep’s performance on Tuesday, Pandey reached out to offer support and encouragement. “I noticed he seemed a bit troubled and called him after the match to reassure him,” Pandey shared with The Indian Express. “He bowled well in his first two overs, conceding only 16 runs. It was in the third that things unraveled, and he allowed 18 runs.”
Pandey noted that Kuldeep’s confidence appears to be wavering and suggested that he should concentrate on his strengths. “He is struggling with his length. In the last game, he bowled a fast delivery down the leg side that Samson easily turned into a boundary. He should have opted for a googly instead of frequently bowling short,” he explained. “Kuldeep needs to trust his skills and variations and focus on spinning the ball.”
Although the Delhi pitch had some assistance for bowlers, Pandey remarked that it had diminished by the time Kuldeep bowled. “There was some grip and turn available, which Akeal Hosein utilized effectively. However, that was mainly in the first innings. Delhi Capitals should have bowled first. Typically, IPL pitches do not provide much for spinners,” he commented.
Kuldeep has not taken a wicket since April 25, during a match where Punjab Kings achieved the highest successful run chase in IPL history. Pandey referred back to that game to shed light on Kuldeep’s current difficulties. “In that match, a simple catch off Kuldeep’s bowling, which would have dismissed Shreyas Iyer, was dropped, allowing Punjab Kings to win. This wasn’t the only instance of dropped catches for him this season. A spinner requires backing from fielders to be effective, and that game impacted his confidence,” he noted.
Pandey added that the current situation is not uncommon for a spinner with 11 years of experience in the IPL and international cricket. “Batters face him in practice and matches, allowing them to adapt to his variations, which diminishes their novelty. The team needs to support him as he has been a valuable asset to the franchise over the years. It’s important to recognize that a score of 155 makes things challenging for bowlers,” he said.
While Axar’s frustration after the loss, which has jeopardized their Playoff chances, can be understood, Kuldeep’s recent struggles have also caught the attention of head coach Hemang Badani. “We expect more from him. He has not yet hit his top form or bowled at his usual speeds. But we will continue to support him,” Badani stated.
Regarding Kuldeep’s situation, his coach advised him to return to the nets to address his shortcomings. “There’s no need to dwell on an occasional bad performance. He should engage in target bowling to regain his length,” Pandey concluded.
