Kuldeep Yadav reveals secret behind dominance over Pakistan after match-winning spell

India left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav revealed the secret behind his dominance over Pakistan after another match-winning spell against arch-rivals in Asia Cup 2025. Playing his first T20I against the Men in Green, Kuldeep continued his form from the first fixture against Oman and scalped three wickets to trigger a Pakistan's batting collapse.

He registered match figures of 3/18 in four overs and helped restrict Pakistan to 127/9 in their allotted 20 overs after they opted to bat first. India eventually won the match by seven wickets and Kuldeep was adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational spell.

Following his stunning spell, Kuldeep was asked about the secret behind his dominance over Pakistan and the India spinner said that he just stuck to his plans.

“Nothing much, to be honest. I just try to keep things simple and execute the plans I have. I focus on who's batting at the crease, what their strengths are, and how they like to play. Then I react accordingly. I had my plans today and just stuck to them,” said Kuldeep in the post-match presentation.

Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Updates

Furthermore, the India spinner also mentioned how sets up the batter from the first ball itself and said that there’s still room for improvement.

“The first ball is always a wicket-taking ball in my mind. You need to have that mindset — that you can get a wicket straight away. Whether the batter is new to the crease or already set, it's usually the first time they’re facing me in the game, and that gives me a good chance to get on top. I still feel there’s a lot of improvement needed in my bowling. Sometimes I try too many variations, and I’m learning to manage that better. It’s a process — learning day by day, game by game,” he added.

Coming into the fixture, Kuldeep had scalped 15 wickets from six innings in ODIs against Pakistan and continued his dominance in his maiden outing against the arch rivals in T20Is as well. It was the second successive Player of the Match award for Kuldeep who’s now the leading wicket taker of the tournament with seven wickets from two matches.