In the first ODI against West Indies in Barbados, Kuldeep Yadav was given the nod over senior leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The decision proved to be a masterstroke by the management as Kuldeep’s mesmerizing spin-bowling left the West Indies batsmen bamboozled.
Kuldeep’s brilliance was on full display as he wreaked havoc on the West Indies lineup, helping India bowl them out for a meager 114 runs. His figures were truly remarkable, finishing with 4 wickets for just 6 runs in his 3 overs. Notably, he claimed the crucial wicket of West Indies skipper Shai Hope, who was the highest scorer for his team with 43 runs.
Additionally, Kuldeep played a vital role in wrapping up the West Indies tail with ease, taking the remaining three wickets. The West Indies team has a historical weakness against leg-spin and wrist-spin, and Kuldeep capitalized on this weakness splendidly. He entered the game when more than half of the West Indies lineup had already been dismissed, with the score at 97/6 after 18 overs.
Kuldeep immediately made an impact, removing Dominic Drakes with an lbw dismissal on his third ball. His second over was a maiden over and saw the dismissal of Yannic Cariah, aided by India’s successful DRS review.
In his third over, Kuldeep continued to torment the West Indies batsmen, claiming two more wickets. First, he got the prized wicket of Shai Hope, who fell lbw while attempting a reverse sweep. Then, he accounted for Jayden Seales, caught by Hardik Pandya at leg-slip after the left-hander inside-edged the ball.
The exceptional spell of Kuldeep Yadav!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2023
4/6 in 3 overs, Kuldeep keeps performing. pic.twitter.com/PBDkT38MEJ
Overall, Kuldeep Yadav’s outstanding performance played a pivotal role in India’s dominant victory in the first ODI, showcasing his undeniable talent and skill in the art of spin bowling.