April 30, 2025: Former West Indies cricketer Daren Ganga has criticized Delhi Capitals’ tactical handling of Kuldeep Yadav in their recent 14-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, calling it a “missed opportunity” to use their premier wrist-spinner more effectively.
During the high-scoring encounter in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the defending champions KKR posted a daunting total of 204/9, a target that proved just out of reach for the hosts despite a late push. A key talking point from the game was Delhi’s decision not to use spin—especially Kuldeep Yadav—in the powerplay, opting instead to hold him back until the 11th over.
Kuldeep, who has been a vital wicket-taking option in the Capitals’ lineup, bowled only three overs, conceded 27 runs, and went wicketless, finishing with an economy rate of 9.00. Ganga, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, suggested the team might have erred by not using his full quota of four overs.
“Kuldeep not finishing his spell to me was a bit of a missed opportunity,” said Ganga. “When you have a bowler like Kuldeep, regardless of the day he’s having, I’d like to see him exhaust his full complement of overs. That is something [captain Axar Patel] could’ve looked at—bowling Kuldeep’s one over earlier on and then three in the middle. That could’ve changed proceedings.”
The former Windies batter also criticized the broader hesitation by teams to use wrist spinners during the powerplay, especially when conventional methods fail to contain aggressive top-order batting.
“If you’re trying to control a phase by taking wickets, wristspin is an option. And if your bowlers aren’t penetrating enough, then it’s worth a gamble to use one over in that phase,” he added.
Kuldeep came into the attack as Delhi’s sixth bowler, operating during overs 11, 13, and 15. By that time, KKR had already gained momentum, with their batters controlling the middle overs and setting up a total beyond 200—a score that ultimately handed Delhi their third home defeat of the season.
The Capitals’ tactical decisions will likely come under the scanner as they aim to correct course in their upcoming matches, especially in the utilization of key assets like Kuldeep Yadav, who has often proven to be a game-changer.