Kuldeep Yadav (Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry photo)
New Delhi: Who wants to sit on the bench and watch their teammates take the field? Who doesn’t want to see their name on the team sheet? It can be frustrating for any player. But Kuldeep Yadav handled the matter with remarkable calm.Be it carrying drinks, relaying coach’s messages, taking out the bats, or clapping for his teammates with a smile, Kuldeep remained fully involved with the team despite not being in the starting XI.In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, where India lifted the title after defeating New Zealand in the final, teams often opted for spin-heavy combinations. Kuldeep was expected to play a bigger role, but that did not materialise.
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India played eight matches in the tournament, including the final, but Kuldeep featured in just one match – the high-profile encounter against Pakistan. He bowled three overs, conceded 14 runs and picked up one wicket.After that, he did not get another opportunity in the starting lineup.Ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, Kuldeep spoke about dealing with the challenge of being on the bench.“Preparation becomes crucial, especially when you’re not playing games.
“I have made sure that there is no gap in my preparation, so whenever the opportunity arises, I am ready,” Kuldeep told reporters ahead of the DC vs MI match in New Delhi.He added: “Even if you are not playing, being with the team, attending training sessions and maintaining the mindset of preparing for the match is important. Whether you are playing or not, your approach should always be that you are ready for the next match.”“Confidence comes from preparation. If your training and routine are in place, you will naturally feel confident, although there is always a little bit of nervousness,” Kuldeep said.Kuldeep also highlighted the importance of planning against speculators.“Planning against hitters is a constant; you evaluate where they want to score and how they can approach you. With new hitters, it becomes more difficult, but overall, preparation is what builds confidence,” he added.The 31-year-old is now keen to make his mark in IPL 2026.In Delhi Capitals’ opener against Lucknow Super Giants, Kuldeep delivered a solid performance, taking two wickets for 31 runs in four overs.
He dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Mukul Choudhary in that match.He will now face Mumbai Indians in the next encounter.Kuldeep stressed the importance of sticking to one’s strengths, especially in the T20 format.“It is very important for players to retain their strengths. Whenever batsmen put you under pressure, you tend to forget your strength. You look for a safer option to get out of that situation,” Kuldeep said.“If you are an attacking player, don’t leave that. Because that is your identity, and if you are doing this work for the team, taking wickets, there can be nothing better than that. Your mentality has to be attacking,” he added.“Young players think these are high-scoring matches and they will be batted. Yes, you will be hit for runs because this is the T20 format. But you have to plan accordingly and be ready. You don’t have to concede 40-45 runs in four overs. If there is a bowler dominating, it happens, or the wicket is very good for batting,” he said.