‘Can’t look beyond Kuldeep Yadav’ – Former India cricketer’s bold take on Virat Kohli’s ‘Player of Match’ against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023

The Men in Blue defeated Babar Azam and Co. in their opening game of the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023 on September 11 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Notably, it was the full dominance of Indian batters and bowlers during the play. India’s stalwart batters, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, posted a mammoth 356 runs in the given 50 overs. Later, while chasing, the Men in Green could only rack up 128 runs owing to a five-wicket haul by wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Following the win, a plethora of experts and former cricketers heaped praise on India’s line-up. Meanwhile, speaking on the subject, former India cricketer turned analyst Gautam Gambhir feels Kuldeep Yadav was at his peak during the play despite former India skipper Virat Kohli reaching the milestone of his 77th century and getting the Player of the Match award.

“Can’t look beyond Kuldeep Yadav. Yes, Virat Kohli has got a 100, KL Rahul got a 100, Rohit Sharma got a 50, Shubman Gill got a 50. On a wicket like this where it was swinging, seaming, if someone can get five wicket in seven overs, it’s brilliant,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

Kuldeep Yadav has beaten people in the air: Gautam Gambhir

Moreover, the former India opener was shocked to see Pakistan’s player not performing well against spinners. The 2011 ODI World Cup-winning star called Kuldeep Yadav a quality bowler who can produce magnificent wins for his team. In addition, the former top-order batter feels the DC bowler’s presence in the squad will be good for Rohit Sharma’s side.

“More importantly, I was surprised that Pakistan batters, who traditionally play spin really well, could not pick Kuldeep from his hand. I can understand if it was Australia, South Africa or new Zealand. They don’t play wrist spin that well. It just show the quality of the bowler. He has beaten people in the air. And he has beaten people off the wicket as well. That is something good for Indian cricket,” he added further.