Asia Cup 2023: Will always remember that I took five wickets against Pakistan, says Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav said his match-winning fifer against Pakistan in the Asia Cup will remain a spell to “remember” even after retirement. The left-arm spinner ran through the Pakistan middle and lower order to help India register a comprehensive 228-run win on Monday. Kuldeep posted figures of 5/25 as Pakistan were bowled out for 128 runs while chasing 357 runs for win in the rain-hit Super 4s clash in Colombo. The 50-over contest was carried over into the reserve day set aside by the tournament, which remains a tune-up to the upcoming ODI World Cup. “I am feeling very happy,” Kuldeep said. “To take five wickets against a good team will always be remembered. When I stop cricket and retire, I will always remember that I took five wickets against Pakistan.”

Kuldeep Yadav became the second Indian spinner after Sachin Tendulkar to take a five-wicket haul in men's ODIs against Pakistan ☝️#AsiaCup2023 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/zGIo9e2UiX

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He further added, “Because a side that plays spin well in the sub-continent, to play well against them really motivates you.” Kuldeep, 28, returned to international cricket last year after a career-threatening knee injury. Since then, he’s been in fine form for the national team and in the Indian Premier League. Kuldeep has made himself the regular choice in the India XI and remains a key bowler for the team at the World Cup starting October. “One-and-a-half years has been amazing. Bowling really well and not thinking too much about the playing XI and all,” said Kuldeep. “Just enjoying my bowling. Every morning when I wake and think that whenever I get the opportunity I stay fit to deliver. All through IPL I have been working hard on my length that matters a lot for any spinner. The spinner has picked 146 wickets in 87 ODI matches since his debut in 2017.