Kuldeep Yadav`s childhood coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, recently shed light on the extraordinary performance of the Indian spinner during the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Kuldeep, who significantly turned the tide of the game by taking four crucial wickets for just 30 runs, concluded the tournament as the top wicket-taker with 17 scalps, eight of which were secured in the three encounters with arch-rival Pakistan. Pandey stated that Kuldeep develops an intense competitive drive whenever he faces Pakistan.
“His blood boils seeing Pakistan. This time, Pakistan sent a team of kids and amateurs,” Kapil Dev Pandey was quoted saying by the Times of India, highlighting the spinner`s fierce determination.
Pandey elaborated on why Kuldeep consistently delivers his best against the Pakistani side.
“I told Kuldeep, `Your coach is a soldier. Discipline is in my blood. Play with discipline. You must not lose to Pakistan.` Kuldeep always remembers this,” Pandey added, explaining the foundational advice he provides.
During the recent Asia Cup final, Kuldeep also made history by becoming the overall leading wicket-taker in the tournament`s history across both ODI and T20I formats. He surpassed the legendary Lasith Malinga`s record of 33 wickets, accumulating an impressive total of 36. Moreover, he registered the most wickets in a single Asia Cup edition (T20I format) with 17 scalps. This record of 17 wickets in a T20I Asia Cup edition is a feat he now shares with Wanindu Hasaranga.
His four-wicket burst in the final elevated his tally against Pakistan across all competitions to 23 wickets in just 10 matches.
In the final match, after a strong start of 113 for 2 in 12 overs, Pakistan suffered a dramatic collapse, eventually being bowled out for a mere 33 runs. India comfortably chased down the target with two balls to spare, propelled by Tilak Varma`s unbeaten 69.
This victory marked India`s ninth Asia Cup championship across all formats.
