DC vs GT: 'Champion' Kuldeep Yadav a certainty for T20 World Cup - Former player Manjrekar's BOLD claim

Delhi Capitals (DC) edged past Gujarat Titans (GT) by four runs in match 40 of the IPL 2024 edition on Wednesday (April 24), at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bowl first, Shubman Gill-led GT were at the receiving end as Rishabh Pant top-scored with a brilliant 88* along with Axar Patel's 43-ball 66. In reply, Gujarat fought hard -- courtesy of Wriddhiman Saha's 39, Sai Sudharsan's 65, David Miller's 55 and Rashid Khan's 21* -- but ended with 220/8. During the high-scoring affair, Kuldeep Yadav once again made a mark with 2 for 29. Even in DC's last game, where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted 266/7 in the national capital, the wily spinnerclaimed four scalps.

As a result, Kuldeep is among the leading wicket-takers with 12 wickets from six games. He is fourth in the list of most wickets in the ongoing edition, at an economy rate of 7.62. Thus, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the wrist spinner is now a certainty in India's T20 World Cup squad, which is set to be announced soon. The mega event kicks off in West Indies and USA in June.

Manjrekar feels Kuldeep is comfortable with taking up the responsibility in bowling the tough overs and providing key breakthroughs. Thus, he should be the secondspinner after Ravindra Jadeja in India's T20 WC squad.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar said, "Yes. And this is perhaps Kuldeep Yadav at his peak with regards to his skills, his confidence. You can see now he's out there like a Bumrah or Chahal at his peak. He is commanding that kind of respect. He looks comfortable with the responsibility and champions, you know, those breaks and those moments that you are seeking at the right time."

"Last over today (against GT), DC wanted a wicket. They got the wicket of Tewtia there (in the 16th over) and just seized the game. So this is where Kuldeep has now become a champion bowler and he is somebody I mean that we should pencil down. Ravindra Jadeja will come in as a left-arm spinner batter and Kuldeep the second spinner," Manjrekar added.

Kuldeep-starrer DC have moved to the sixth spot with eightpoints from nine games. They will now lock horns with five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) at their home groundon Saturday (April 27).