Former India captain Anil Kumble commended Kuldeep Yadav for his outstanding performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, labeling him a ‘match-winner’ and expressing surprise at Delhi Capitals not utilizing him earlier in the season. Despite a modest tally of ten wickets in IPL 2026, Kuldeep shone brightly in the season’s finale, claiming 3-29 to help Delhi Capitals secure a 40-run victory over KKR at the Eden Gardens.
Kumble emphasized Kuldeep’s match-winning capabilities, highlighting his knack for turning games with multiple breakthroughs. He noted that while every bowler faces challenges, players of Kuldeep’s caliber possess the resilience to bounce back strongly, as evidenced by his recent performance. Kumble suggested that Delhi Capitals should have reinstated Kuldeep sooner, given his proven ability to take crucial wickets.
Reflecting on Mumbai Indians’ loss to Rajasthan Royals, Kumble pinpointed the dismissal of skipper Hardik Pandya as the turning point in the match. He observed that Mumbai seemed in control of the chase while Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were at the crease, but Archer’s crucial wicket of Pandya shifted the momentum, ultimately impacting the outcome of the game.
