Kuldeep Yadav's Mic Suspiciously Cuts Off When Asked About Not Getting Enough Chances

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 08:03 IST

Kuldeep Yadav claimed 4 for 7 against UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 opener in Dubai, earning Player of the Match and silencing critics after his omission from the England Test series.

Playing his first match for India in six months, Kuldeep Yadav delivered a performance that silenced critics and underlined his status as the country’s premier spinner.

Overshadowed in recent months for being overlooked in the Test series against England, where he did not play a single game across five matches, Kuldeep used India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE to remind everyone of his match-winning pedigree.

Kuldeep’s Spell That Shattered UAE

On Wednesday night in Dubai, the wrist-spinner produced a magical spell, finishing with 4/7—the second-best bowling figures in Asia Cup Men’s T20I history. Three of those wickets came in a single over, leaving the UAE’s batting order in ruins.

Together with Shivam Dube, who also picked up three wickets, Kuldeep ensured India dominated from start to finish. The hosts had no answers to his guile and variations, and India cruised to a 9-wicket victory to kick off their campaign in style.

For his efforts, Kuldeep was deservedly named Player of the Match, marking a triumphant return to the side in his first T20I appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

The Frustration Behind the Smile

Kuldeep’s omission from the England Test series had sparked debate among fans and experts, many arguing he was underused despite his form. After the win, broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar put the question directly to him during the post-match interview:

“There is one thing I have noticed over the last few years, which is that you don’t play each and every game for India, and there are these gaps that you have. But when you come back, you put in these kinds of performances. It’s always back to your very best. How do you make that up?"

Initially, Kuldeep’s mic malfunctioned, and only one line was audible: “It was tough for me."

Sensing the glitch, Manjrekar handed him another microphone: “Maybe your mic is not recording everything that you’re saying. So let’s use this one."

With clarity restored, Kuldeep explained his approach:

“Especially in this format, reading the length is important and the batters, what they are trying to do. Also, about reacting to what the batters are trying to do against you."

If nothing, Kuldeep’s brilliance last night served as a message to selectors and critics alike: leaving him out comes with risk.

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