Kuldeep Yadav, making a comeback after recovering from a groin injury, proved his worth to the Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling unit in the IPL 2024 match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With just three balls, he made a significant impact by dismissing key batsmen, Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran.
Returning to the side after missing three matches due to injury, Kuldeep wasted no time in making his presence felt. In his first over against LSG, he managed to grab two crucial wickets. First, sensing Stoinis's intention to go for a big shot, Kuldeep cleverly bowled wide, causing Stoinis to mistime his shot and give an easy catch to Ishant Sharma. Then, he bowled a perfect googly to Pooran, catching him off guard and sending him back to the pavilion without scoring a single run.
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The delivery that dismissed Pooran was particularly memorable. It was a deceptive googly that pitched just outside Pooran's off stump. Pooran, expecting the ball to turn, played for the spin but was instead bowled as the ball crashed into his stumps. This dismissal not only got DC an important wicket but also left the stump permanently damaged, requiring a replacement.
Kuldeep's impact extended beyond his first over. Although he missed getting LSG captain KL Rahul out with his last ball in the first over, he didn't let that opportunity slip away for long. In his next over, he bowled a flatter delivery that turned away from Rahul, inducing an edge that was initially not given out but overturned upon review. Rahul's dismissal was crucial as he was well set and hitting the ball well, making it a turning point in the match.
Overall, Kuldeep Yadav's performance played a vital role in DC's victory over LSG. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures and create pressure on the opposition batsmen showcased his value to the team's bowling unit. With his impressive display, Kuldeep proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.