Kuldeep Yadav credits skipper Virat Kohli for freedom to attack

India wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav believes that if it wasn’t for skipper Virat Kohli who gave him the freedom to attack he wouldn’t have been successful on the world stage.

“You need a skipper who supports you and believes in your ability to shine on the big stage. If Kohli bhai hadn’t given us the freedom to attack, do you think we could have been so successful? I don’t think so,” Kuldeep said.

Kuldeep, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders, was badly let down in this year’s IPL by the batting-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens as he returned with just four wickets from nine matches before dropping his franchise at the tournament’s business end.

The 24-year-old said he looks forward to putting the IPL deception behind him with a spectacular performance in the world cup.

“IPL is very different than the World Cup. There are players who have done well in IPL but have struggled to make a mark for the country. I’ve matured as a bowler and by no means, it will affect my performance in the World Cup,” Kuldeep said.

“It’s (T20) such a format, you may have a bad day where you’re hit for runs. I’m not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets.”

By his own standard, an average of 71.50 in IPL is something he would look to forget.

“If I’m not getting wickets it does not mean I’m not bowling well. Now I play as a mature cricketer and think more about the team,” Kuldeep said.