Former India cricketer and two-time IPL champion, Gautam Gambhir, was left surprised after Kolkata Knight Riders retained chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Indian Premier League in 2021. Explaining the reason behind his reaction, Gambhir said that he wanted to see Kuldeep in some other franchise where he could get enough chances to prove his prowess.
Yadav was not regular in the KKR’s playing XI during the 13th edition of IPL in the UAE. The left-arm off-spinner played just 5 games last year and managed to scalp only one wicket. While many believed it might end Kuldeep’s stay in the KKR camp, the owners decided against releasing him before next month’s auction.
Speaking on the Star Sports network, Gambhir said, “I am a little surprised about Kuldeep Yadav being retained because he did not get the opportunities. I would have wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav go to a franchise where he gets an opportunity to play. Because if you are playing for India and not part of your franchise’s playing XI, it is somewhere harmful for your career.”
“If he had come into the auction, a lot of franchises would have gone for him”.
With Varun Chakravarthy taking over the mantle of KKR’s spin attack following his IPL 13 blitz, Kuldeep would find it challenging to secure his place in the playing XI in the upcoming season as well.