Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] In the Ranchi Test, Michael Vaughan commended Kuldeep Yadav’s performance against England. Despite England setting a score of 353 and having India on the ropes at 177-7, India managed a comeback to post 307.
At a crucial juncture, with England at 110-3, Kuldeep’s pivotal wickets of Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes shifted the momentum. He finished with remarkable figures of 4-22. Among spinners since 1960, only Axar Patel has a better record than Kuldeep’s 46 wickets at an average of 21.82, highlighting Kuldeep’s exclusion of Patel from the team.
Vaughan’s praise for Kuldeep, likening him to a “left-armed Shane Warne,” reflects the significant influence Warne had on Kuldeep, especially during India’s historic series win in Australia in 2018/19. Warne, who often advised Kuldeep during that tour, left a lasting impression on him. Kuldeep’s dedication of his Sydney Test five-wicket haul to Warne underscores their special connection, which was profound enough to move Warne to tears and deeply affect Kuldeep upon Warne’s passing in 2022.
Warne’s impact extended beyond Kuldeep to other Indian spinners. He famously dubbed Ravindra Jadeja a “rockstar” during their time with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, leaving a young Jadeja starstruck. Similarly, Yuzvendra Chahal was inspired by Warne’s bowling style from a young age, leading him to support and eventually play for the Royals.