'I have 35, you keep this one': Kuldeep Yadav on R Ashwin's heartwarming gesture in fifth India-England Test

Kuldeep Yadav was pleased with his bowling on Day 1 of the fifth Test against England on Thursday, and feels that the hard work and extra effort he put in following the knee surgery in 2021 is finally paying off. Kuldeep claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with figures of 5/72 as England were dismissed for 218 in Dharamsala on Thursday. The wrist-spinner has so far scalped 17 wickets across four matches in the series.

“I am enjoying my game. To be honest I put a lot of hard work after my surgery in 2021. It’s just the reward I am getting now. I worked on my pace, it’s very important when you play a Test match in India. I am just enjoying my bowling,” Kuldeep told host broadcasters Sports18 after the opening day.

Kuldeep and Ashwin combined to take nine wickets with the latter having registered figures of 4/51. In a special gesture, Kuldeep handed the match ball to Ashwin, who is playing his 100th Test, but Ashwin returned the ball to Kuldeep since the 29-year-old had taken a fifer.

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Kuldeep and Ashwin are known for their understanding on the field. Talking about his senior, Kuldeep said that Ashwin was a “kind and humble” person. “He (Ashwin) is very kind and humble. Playing the 100th test for India is unbelievable. Lovely to have him around. I thought he deserved that (match ball to lead the side off the field). He said the same thing - I have 35, you keep this one,” said Kuldeep.

“Ash (Ashwin) bhai says a few things on the field, gives a few ideas,” added the Kanpur-born cricketer.

Kuldeep produced a magical turning delivery to clean up Zak Crawley (79) and said that he really enjoyed taking the openers’ wicket. “I liked the Zak Crawley wicket. He batted really well throughout the series, good player of spin. It’s important not to think about the wicket and I am someone who relies on my skill and variation in length. Not to think about what the wicket is going to produce. Just focus on the areas,” continued Kuldeep.

Kuldeep also got the most prized wicket of Ben Stokes (0) with a googly as the England skipper was struck LBW. “Ben Stokes, I thought, isn’t picking the wrong ‘un and that’s a good thing for me. In general just keep it simple and focus on the areas.

“I am sure they are picking but the pace at which I bowl is the main thing. I think they understand what I am bowling but if they are not picking then good for me. It’s (his bowling art) not magic, I have been bowling for a few years now. I hardly bowled the wrong ‘un this game, probably 10 odd balls,” Kuldeep said on the dismissal of Stokes.

India were 135/1 at stumps having lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 57. Rohit Sharma (52*) and Shubman Gill (26*) remained not out as India trial England by 83 runs. The hosts have already won the series and taken an unassailable 3-1 lead following their five-wicket win in Ranchi.