Kuldeep Yadav’s incredible journey: From struggling for a place to becoming India’s prime weapon

Kuldeep Yadav's performance in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of remarkable, marking a significant turnaround in his cricketing career. The left-arm wrist-spinner, known for his unique 'Chinaman' bowling style, has been instrumental in India's success in the tournament, showcasing his reinvented bowling prowess.

ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023: Full Coverage

After a promising start to his international career, Kuldeep faced a challenging period marked by a knee injury that required surgery and a subsequent dip in form.

This phase saw him struggle to secure his place in the Indian team, as he was often overshadowed by other spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal. However, the World Cup 2023 has witnessed Kuldeep's resurgence as a key player for Team India.

Kuldeep's journey to the World Cup squad was not straightforward. He had to overcome the insecurities that come with inconsistent selection and the pressure of performing in limited opportunities.

His place in the team was not guaranteed, and he found himself competing with fellow spinners who offered additional batting skills, a factor that seemed to influence selection decisions. Despite being one of the top bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kuldeep had to watch as all-rounders were preferred over specialist spinners like him and Chahal.

The decision to pick Kuldeep ahead of Chahal for the World Cup 2023 was a testament to his hard work and the improvements he made to his craft.

Under the guidance of former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Kuldeep honed his skills and emerged with a more potent bowling arsenal. His increased delivery speed, variations, and relentless effort paid off, earning him a spot in the World Cup squad.

In the tournament, Kuldeep has been a revelation, taking 12 wickets in eight games at an impressive average of 22.58. His best figures came against Bangladesh, where he showcased his ability to deceive batsmen with flight, loop, dip, and turn.

His performance included notable spells of two for 42, one for 40, two for 35, and two for 24, among others. In a crucial semi-final match against New Zealand, Kuldeep took his 21st wicket in World Cups, becoming the third most successful Indian spinner in the tournament's history.

Kuldeep's success in the World Cup is a story of resilience and reinvention. He has demonstrated that with dedication and the right mentorship, it is possible to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.

His contributions have been pivotal in India's unbeaten streak in the tournament, and his partnership with Ravindra Jadeja has formed a formidable spin duo that has effectively stifled opposition batting line-ups during the middle overs.

As India continues its quest for World Cup glory, Kuldeep Yadav stands as a shining example of perseverance and skill, spinning success stories that will be remembered for years to come.