Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has lauded India's left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, as a crucial player for the Indian cricket team in the forthcoming ODI World Cup. Kuldeep's recent inclusion in the Asia Cup squad over Yuzvendra Chahal signals his likely selection for the global tournament as well.
Kuldeep has been in stellar form lately, reclaiming his spot in India's white-ball cricket lineup. The 28-year-old has shown immense resilience, bouncing back after being left out of the T20 World Cup squads in 2021 and 2022. Hogg emphasized that Kuldeep's resurgence can be attributed to Rohit Sharma's effective captaincy.
Kuldeep's Transformation: A Tale of Grit and Skill
Hogg was effusive in his praise for Kuldeep, stating, "He had an outstanding IPL season this year. He's made a strong comeback. What sets a player apart is how they respond after facing setbacks. Kuldeep has refined his bowling action, improved his spin, and added drift to his deliveries. Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been instrumental in his growth. He's a true fighter."
The Spinner's Role in India's World Cup Strategy
Hogg believes that Kuldeep will be a game-changer for India in the World Cup, particularly against teams like Australia. "I'm thoroughly impressed by his resurgence. He's seamlessly reintegrated into the team and is performing exceptionally well. I'd definitely have him in the playing XI against Australia," Hogg added.
Rohit Sharma's Captaincy: A Double-Edged Sword
While Hogg lauded Rohit Sharma's captaincy, he also acknowledged the scrutiny Rohit has faced for his defensive tactics, especially during the World Test Championship Final against Australia.
The Importance of Team Support in High-Pressure Situations
Hogg opined that in challenging times, the onus is on senior players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to back their captain. "When the going gets tough, you need the support of your teammates. Kohli and Rahul, who have ample captaincy experience, should assist Rohit in decision-making. The bowlers, too, need to be proactive and make independent choices," he concluded.