Kuldeep's Winning Return in T20 Format

Pakistan Open Against Oman Before India Tie

- FIROZ MIRZA @Chennai

A lot was said and written on why wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav didn't feature in a single Test against hosts England in the five-match series which India drew 2-2 under Shubman Gill. The 30-year-old Uttar Pradesh bowler spent the entire summer warming up the bench but was unfazed by the cacophony surrounding his absence from the playing XI. Or maybe he knew his turn would definitely come with India next scheduled to feature in the 2025 Asia Cup.

And when it came, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He claimed four wickets while giving away only seven runs in the 2.1 overs he bowled against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday to emerge as the Most Valuable Player of the Match. In fact, it was his first match in the format in India colours since June 29, 2024 -- the day India ended their ICC Trophy drought winning the Men's T20 World Cup in Bridgetown.