The West Indies-India T20I series has been a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Florida, the fourth match witnessed the clash of these cricketing powerhouses once again. Following West Indies’ 2-0 lead in the initial encounters, India made a triumphant comeback in the third game. This created the perfect stage for an exhilarating showdown as West Indies won the coin toss.
However, the true protagonist of this particular match was unquestionably Kuldeep Yadav. With the game hanging in the balance, Kuldeep took center stage in the 7th over. What followed was nothing short of enchanting.
Right from the outset, with his very first delivery at 6.1 overs, Kuldeep struck a metaphorical gold mine. A crafty googly to Pooran left the batsman utterly baffled. Pooran aimed for an audacious big shot downtown, but he misread the spin.
The outcome? A mistimed stroke, and the ball soared towards long-on. Suryakumar Yadav, stationed in that position, remained unshaken, ensuring a faultless catch. This breakthrough held immense significance, considering Pooran’s reputation as a game-changer.
However, Kuldeep’s performance didn’t conclude there. Merely four balls later, at 6.5 overs, he snared his next prey: Powell. Another deceptive wrong ‘un, delivered slightly shorter, caught Powell off guard. With the bat’s face closing prematurely, the ball took a vicious turn. It arced towards slip, where Shubman Gill exhibited sheer athleticism. Swiftly shifting to his right, Gill secured yet another pivotal wicket for India.
Two wickets in the 1st over of the spell!
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 12, 2023
Chahal in 1st T20I
Kuldeep today 💪#WIvIND #INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode pic.twitter.com/Vos81nSMbx
In just a single over, Kuldeep Yadav revolutionized the dynamics of the game. His bowling spell rekindled memories of cricket’s halcyon days, when spinners confounded batsmen with their artistry and cunning. The rapid succession of two wickets bolstered India’s momentum and pushed back West Indies.
