Back in training but trying hard not to apply saliva on ball: Kuldeep Yadav


PTI, Jun 9, 2020, 8:51 AM IST

New Delhi: India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has again started training in earnest, bowling four hours daily, and is striving hard to curb his natural instinct of applying saliva on the ball.

With lockdown restrictions being eased out, and BCCI urging players to start their skill training at the local level, Kuldeep under the tutelage of his childhood coach Kapil Pandey is sweating it out at the local Rovers ground, where he learned all his cricket.

“I have started training at the Rovers ground in the Lal Bangla area. In fact, I am doing two sessions per day. In the morning from 7:30 to 9 am, I do my physical training. Then I go back home and come back in the evening. From 4 pm to 8 pm, I am regularly bowling in the nets,” Kuldeep told PTI Bhasha during an interaction.

“It’s only been a week that I have started outdoor training. All this while, I was at home maintaining social distancing norms. Now I believe within the next few weeks, I would be ready for competitive cricket as and when it starts,” said Yadav, who has played 6 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 21 T20 Internationals for the country.

For the 25-year-old, the biggest concern is controlling the habit of using saliva, something that he feels is conditioned to follow.

“Look, since childhood, we have this habit of applying saliva on the ball to keep the shine. With new ICC rules in place, I am trying to get rid of the habit.

“I believe it needs to be imbibed in training sessions first. Hopefully, we will have some alternative in place,” said Kuldeep, who already has 167 international wickets, across formats, in his kitty.

ICC has banned the use of saliva but players can use sweat to shine the ball.

Asked what is the format he would like to play once cricket resumes, Kuldeep said that T20 will be his choice.

“Once competitive cricket resumes, I would prefer playing IPL. That is in case of normalcy returns. ” While he has started training, he feels that cricket is not a priority right now when the country us struggling badly to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have seen the crisis of migrant laborers across India, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. People are jobless and you can’t just think about your sport,” said the talented spinner.

So how has he helped people who have faced financial distress? Kuldeep replied, “I have always believed in this philosophy that charity should be done quietly. Yes, I am associated with a few NGOs plus I have tried to help people in my native Kanpur.”

“But if you ask me to divulge details, I won’t because in my opinion, that’s not the right thing to do,” Kuldeep added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

FSDA suspends 133 drug licences, cancels 20 in Karnataka in June

Surjewala, Malviya spar on X over Karnataka issues and Congress leadership rift

Man bites off wife’s nose after fight over loan repayment in Karnataka

HC asks Karnataka govt to respond to PIL against Kannada in CBSE, CISCE schools

Joint campaign to boost Tulu teaching in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

Ballari: Congress government has failed the people, says Union minister Somanna

Karnataka minister calls for stronger govt-academia-industry partnership to boost skills, jobs

Related Articles More

Bumrah bags five but England post challenging 387

It’s not a holiday, you’re here for a huge purpose: Gambhir backs BCCI’s revised family rule

Pakistan to send hockey team to India for Asia Cup and WC after reviewing security threats

Root’s unbeaten 99 leads England to 251/4 at stumps on Day 1

You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days: Kohli on Test retirement

MUST WATCH

Agriculture Technology | Farming

Beluru Chennakeshava History

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Lady Goschen Hospital | Milk bank

Cashier steals gold deposited by customers

Latest Additions

FSDA suspends 133 drug licences, cancels 20 in Karnataka in June

Surjewala, Malviya spar on X over Karnataka issues and Congress leadership rift

Man bites off wife’s nose after fight over loan repayment in Karnataka

HC asks Karnataka govt to respond to PIL against Kannada in CBSE, CISCE schools

Joint campaign to boost Tulu teaching in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.