Ex-Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has expressed his belief that chinaman Kuldeep Yadav is a strong contender to become the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup 2023. Up to this point in the tournament, the left-arm wrist spinner has grabbed five wickets in three games, with an average of 23.40.
In India’s dominant seven-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday, Kuldeep Yadav delivered an impressive performance. He took two wickets for 35 runs, removing Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed during the 33rd over. He was the only Indian bowler to complete his full allocation of 10 overs.
In his column for The Indian Express, Rashid Latif recognised the evident confusion in Pakistan’s batting lineup when they confronted Kuldeep Yadav on the field.
“Against Kuldeep, we looked timid, we were trying to just play out his ten overs. Not a single Pakistan batsman was able to pick Kuldeep (Yadav), and I think if he is not rested in a few matches, Kuldeep will end up being the leading wicket-taker of the tournament.”
Latif said that he was surprised to see the absence of R Ashwin from the Indian playing XI.
“I was surprised that India didn’t pick Ashwin. I feel he should play all the matches for India. If Ashwin had played I don’t think we could have even got 190 on the board.”
