NEW DELHI: Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Mukesh Kumar delivered exceptional performances with the ball, showcasing the dominance of bowlers as Delhi Capitals revived their chances of securing a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Playoffs.
Their commendable efforts played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals' 20-run triumph over Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With this victory, Delhi Capitals kept their playoff aspirations alive in a fiercely competitive IPL season.
Kuldeep showcased his skill by dismissing Donovan Ferreira plumb lbw and inducing Ravichandran Ashwin to hole out to long-on during his final over.
Despite facing a slow-over rate penalty in the last over, resulting in DC having only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Mukesh delivered a decisive blow by castling Rovman Powell. This crucial wicket ensured Delhi secured a vital victory in their quest for playoff qualification.
Kuldeep, who was named Player of the Match for his figures of 2/25, stated that he just tried to back his strengths.
"It is very important to bowl on a good length and that's the main challenge when I bowl in the death overs. I have played against him (Ferreira) in South Africa and I knew he was a back foot player and wanted to stay a little full and quick and get him out first ball," Kuldeep said at the post-match presentation.
"I bowled a couple of seam-up deliveries to read what the batters are doing. Just the length matters for me and that was the plan. Whenever we score 200-plus obviously puts a lot of pressure on the bowler and it is also an opportunity to take wickets and I was trying to back my strengths and keep believing," Kuldeep added.
