Kuldeep Yadav's left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav had the Sri Lanka batters dancing to his tunes at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, picking 3/51 in his ten overs and setting the foundation for a four-wicket victory to take India to an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
"I'm pleased with my performance. I've been trying to rely on my strength and not think too much over the last year. When I get a chance, I only think about doing well. I'm having a great time bowling "Kuldeep was awarded Player of the Match during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Kuldeep played the match in Kolkata after Yuzvendra Chahal was ruled out with a sore right shoulder. He took full advantage of the opportunity, spinning a web around the Sri Lanka batters in the middle overs and easily trapping them with his speed, variations, and control.
He broke the 73-run stand between Nuwanidu Fernando and Kusal Mendis in his first over, trapping the latter lbw with a top-spinner. He then bowled captain Dasun Shanaka around the legs as he prepared to play a sweep. Kuldeep then caught and bowled Charith Asalanka with his dip to complete a straightforward caught and bowled dismissal.
"Because the team composition is important, I simply try to give my all whenever I have the opportunity. In the IPL and T20Is, I bowl faster to give the batter one run. So I did the same thing here "He went on to say.
Kuldeep was impressive with the ball before hitting two fours in his 10 not out, one of which was the winning runs to give India a hard-fought victory. Apart from batting and fitness, Kuldeep credited Chahal for providing him with information on Sri Lankan batters.
"I have worked on my batting a lot of late. Same with the fitness. Whenever I get time, I go to the NCA. So thanks to the trainers there. That's one thing I have tried to do in the last one year. Earlier, I wasn't much into it. Chahal too gave me inputs about their batters."