After a recent dip in form, India's&nbsp;chinaman&nbsp;bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack. Kuldeep, who was in the Indian squad&nbsp;in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, failed to bag a game in the longest format of the game. Kuldeep has now revealed what he learned from the like of Ashwin and Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon during India's recent&nbsp;tour of Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 26-year-old got the opportunity to pick the brains of Lyon and Ashwin – two of the best spinners in the world. Kuldeep opened up about his interactions with the spin duo&nbsp;as he said that while Lyon talked more about following simple drills, Ashwin was more technical and focused on what tweaks he can make in his bowling. Kuldeep, who is in strong contention to be back in the Indian Test XI against England, also revealed how Ashwin helped him laying out plans for England skipper Joe Root – who was in sensational form in their&nbsp;series against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

"I did speak quite a lot to Nathan Lyon. I asked him about his routines. He told me he maintains simple drills, what his skills are, how he runs the fingers over the ball while spinning, which is his strength. He asked me to follow my routines, find the spot where I should be pitching and enjoy my bowling with a smile.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"He (Ashwin) has given me quite a few ideas. He said at times I should quicken my rhythm, try bowling straighter, make slight tactical changes. He has a lot of knowledge not just about bowling but also game plans. During the Australia tour we spoke about plans for the England series - if Joe Root is batting, which fielders should be close, what areas to bowl. When he did not play in&nbsp;Brisbane&nbsp;I had good discussions with him," Kuldeep Yadav told&nbsp;ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;

Kuldeep also said that he should have played more matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the&nbsp;chinaman&nbsp;bowler added that he was bowling well and was in a good&nbsp;rhythm.&nbsp;

"Personally&nbsp;I felt the 2020 IPL did not go well for me. I should have played more matches. I felt I was in pretty good rhythm, I was bowling well, but just that I did not get many overs. So, perhaps, if I got more opportunities then it would have been good. I am not saying that was the lowest, to be honest.&nbsp;

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"Even in 2019, I did not have a good IPL. Until you fail, you can't handle the pressure. Now I feel I understand things better - I have seen failure in my life now, so even if I don't perform, it will not be new. In cricket, you can't perform at all times, but if you carry on doing the hard work, you create better chances to become successful," Kuldeep Yadav said.&nbsp;

Kuldeep last played Test for India in the year 2019 - against Australia in Sydney - where he ended up with five wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a recent dip in form, India's chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack.

After a recent dip in form, India's chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has failed to start matches for India on a consistent basis with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking the charge of the spin attack. Kuldeep, who was in the Indian squad in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, failed to bag a game in the longest format of the game. Kuldeep has now revealed what he learned from the like of Ashwin and Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon during India's recent tour of Australia. The 26-year-old got the opportunity to pick the brains of Lyon and Ashwin – two of the best spinners in the world. Kuldeep opened up about his interactions with the spin duo as he said that while Lyon talked more about following simple drills, Ashwin was more technical and focused on what tweaks he can make in his bowling. Kuldeep, who is in strong contention to be back in the Indian Test XI against England, also revealed how Ashwin helped him laying out plans for England skipper Joe Root – who was in sensational form in their series against Sri Lanka. "I did speak quite a lot to Nathan Lyon. I asked him about his routines. He told me he maintains simple drills, what his skills are, how he runs the fingers over the ball while spinning, which is his strength. He asked me to follow my routines, find the spot where I should be pitching and enjoy my bowling with a smile. ALSO READ: Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior "He (Ashwin) has given me quite a few ideas. He said at times I should quicken my rhythm, try bowling straighter, make slight tactical changes. He has a lot of knowledge not just about bowling but also game plans. During the Australia tour we spoke about plans for the England series - if Joe Root is batting, which fielders should be close, what areas to bowl. When he did not play in Brisbane I had good discussions with him," Kuldeep Yadav told ESPNcricinfo. Kuldeep also said that he should have played more matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and the chinaman bowler added that he was bowling well and was in a good rhythm. "Personally I felt the 2020 IPL did not go well for me. I should have played more matches. I felt I was in pretty good rhythm, I was bowling well, but just that I did not get many overs. So, perhaps, if I got more opportunities then it would have been good. I am not saying that was the lowest, to be honest. ALSO READ: Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender "Even in 2019, I did not have a good IPL. Until you fail, you can't handle the pressure. Now I feel I understand things better - I have seen failure in my life now, so even if I don't perform, it will not be new. In cricket, you can't perform at all times, but if you carry on doing the hard work, you create better chances to become successful," Kuldeep Yadav said. Kuldeep last played Test for India in the year 2019 - against Australia in Sydney - where he ended up with five wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav reveals lessons from Ashwin and Nathan Lyon

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Rider skipper Gautam Gambhir said that he was surprised that the Indian Premier League franchise chose to retain left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav for the 2021 season.&nbsp;

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While speaking on Star Sports network, Gambhir said that KKR should have allowed Kuldeep to go elsewhere in case he is not in their plans for the future.

"I am a little surprised about Kuldeep Yadav being retained because he did not get the opportunities. I would have wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav go to a franchise where he gets an opportunity to play," the former left-handed batsman said.

"Because if you are playing for India and not part of your franchise's playing XI, it is somewhere or the other be harmful to your career."

During the 2020 season, Kuldeep could not leave any impact in the league as he featured in just 5 out of 14 matches, despite Narine being out for some games.&nbsp;

"Now that you have retained him, they should play him. Otherwise, I feel Kuldeep Yadav should have himself said that if he is not in their scheme of things, he should be given an opportunity to go and play somewhere else," he added.

"If Kuldeep Yadav had come into the auction, a lot of franchises would have gone for him," he signed off.

The Kolkata-based franchise also retained Varun Chakravarthy and Narine in the team, and in that case, which means Kuldeep may find it hard to make it into the team in the 2021 season.

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Rider skipper Gautam Gambhir said that he was surprised that the Indian Premier League franchise chose to retain left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav for the 2021 season.

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Rider skipper Gautam Gambhir said that he was surprised that the Indian Premier League franchise chose to retain left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav for the 2021 season. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 auction likely on February 18: BCCI official While speaking on Star Sports network, Gambhir said that KKR should have allowed Kuldeep to go elsewhere in case he is not in their plans for the future. "I am a little surprised about Kuldeep Yadav being retained because he did not get the opportunities. I would have wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav go to a franchise where he gets an opportunity to play," the former left-handed batsman said. "Because if you are playing for India and not part of your franchise's playing XI, it is somewhere or the other be harmful to your career." During the 2020 season, Kuldeep could not leave any impact in the league as he featured in just 5 out of 14 matches, despite Narine being out for some games. "Now that you have retained him, they should play him. Otherwise, I feel Kuldeep Yadav should have himself said that if he is not in their scheme of things, he should be given an opportunity to go and play somewhere else," he added. "If Kuldeep Yadav had come into the auction, a lot of franchises would have gone for him," he signed off. The Kolkata-based franchise also retained Varun Chakravarthy and Narine in the team, and in that case, which means Kuldeep may find it hard to make it into the team in the 2021 season.

'Now that you have retained him, they should play him': Gambhir on Kuldeep Yadav

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot.&nbsp;

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Former India paceman feels that it is unfair to chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav for not being included in the squad and should be disappointed after the omission.&nbsp;

“I think Kuldeep should be very disappointed, and why shouldn’t he? After the last Test of the last series, he was the No. 1 spinner for India. He hasn’t played a Test since I think. If you're going in with five bowlers, which they've obviously looked at the experience and perhaps thought need a cushion. But why not play another spinner? It gives you that balance in the attack. If the pitch flattens out, and there isn’t much for the quicks, then suddenly it becomes a one-dimensional attack,” Agarkar said on the 'Extraaa Innings' show on Sony Sports Network.

“Even in that attack, there isn’t anyone like a Mitchell Starc, who’s out and out like a quick bowler. So if there a sameness in the attack, they&nbsp;might as well provide that variety which Kuldeep provides. He’s done well earlier in Australia and yes, there is this thing about him that he bowls a little slow but conditions here will afford him that pace naturally. So very surprised that he’s not playing and he must be very disappointed.”

Yadav&nbsp;had a prolific run in 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar trophy. He claimed a five-wicket haul at the Sydney Cricket Ground Test.&nbsp;

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot.

T Natarajan and Washington Sundar made their debut for Team India after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the final Test due to injury. However, former India bowler Ajit Agarkar feels that another bowler could have filled in the spot. ALSO READ: 'Happening since 1932': Sunil Gavaskar points out main issue with India's bowling unit Former India paceman feels that it is unfair to chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav for not being included in the squad and should be disappointed after the omission. “I think Kuldeep should be very disappointed, and why shouldn’t he? After the last Test of the last series, he was the No. 1 spinner for India. He hasn’t played a Test since I think. If you're going in with five bowlers, which they've obviously looked at the experience and perhaps thought need a cushion. But why not play another spinner? It gives you that balance in the attack. If the pitch flattens out, and there isn’t much for the quicks, then suddenly it becomes a one-dimensional attack,” Agarkar said on the 'Extraaa Innings' show on Sony Sports Network. “Even in that attack, there isn’t anyone like a Mitchell Starc, who’s out and out like a quick bowler. So if there a sameness in the attack, they might as well provide that variety which Kuldeep provides. He’s done well earlier in Australia and yes, there is this thing about him that he bowls a little slow but conditions here will afford him that pace naturally. So very surprised that he’s not playing and he must be very disappointed.” Yadav had a prolific run in 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar trophy. He claimed a five-wicket haul at the Sydney Cricket Ground Test.

'Not good selection': Ajit Agarkar not impressed with Kuldeep Yadav's omission

When the entire world was battling the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc West Bengal, Odisha and parts of Bangladesh on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people while leaving behind devastating scenes from the Amphan-hit areas. As photographs and videos from the aftermath of cyclone Amphan emerged on social media on Thursday morning, Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and former cricketer VVS Laxman took to social media platform Twitter to pray for the safety of those affected from the super cyclone.&nbsp;

"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by #CycloneAmphan in Odisha and West Bengal. May God protect everyone out there and hope things get better soon. #PrayForWestBengal," Kohli tweeted.

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My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneAmphan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneAmphan</a> in Odisha and West Bengal. May God protect everyone out there and hope things get better soon. 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForWestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrayForWestBengal</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1263346630641803264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Praying for everyone affected by #AmphanSuperCyclone. Condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives," wrote Rahul on the micro-blogging platform.

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Praying for everyone affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmphanSuperCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmphanSuperCyclone</a> 
Condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives.
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11/status/1263347190300213248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav paid condolences to the affected families in the cyclone Amphan: "My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the #AmphanCyclone Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, may God give them strength," he wrote.

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My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmphanCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmphanCyclone</a> 
Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, may god give them strength.
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) <a href="https://twitter.com/imkuldeep18/status/1263356072867348481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Whereas, Laxman wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Eastern India as they weather the impact of #CycloneAmphan. We are going through a very challenging time and I pray for everyone's safety.”

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My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Eastern India as they weather the impact of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneAmphan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneAmphan</a>. We are going through a very challenging time and I pray for everyone's safety.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1263337300068458497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Since the cyclone Amphan entered West Bengal, people have been left without electricity and communication. And looking at the aftermath of Amphan, it is going to take a couple of days to get the entire picture clear. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday evening termed Amphan as “a bigger disaster than COVID-19”.

The situation surrounding COVID-19 in West Bengal has made things even trickier for authorities to work on the evacuation and restoration process.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When the entire world was battling the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc West Bengal, Odisha and parts of Bangladesh on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people while leaving behind devastating scenes from the Amphan-hit areas.

When the entire world was battling the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, super cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc West Bengal, Odisha and parts of Bangladesh on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people while leaving behind devastating scenes from the Amphan-hit areas. As photographs and videos from the aftermath of cyclone Amphan emerged on social media on Thursday morning, Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and former cricketer VVS Laxman took to social media platform Twitter to pray for the safety of those affected from the super cyclone. "My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by #CycloneAmphan in Odisha and West Bengal. May God protect everyone out there and hope things get better soon. #PrayForWestBengal," Kohli tweeted. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by #CycloneAmphan in Odisha and West Bengal. May God protect everyone out there and hope things get better soon. 🙏#PrayForWestBengal — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 21, 2020 × "Praying for everyone affected by #AmphanSuperCyclone. Condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives," wrote Rahul on the micro-blogging platform. Praying for everyone affected by #AmphanSuperCyclone Condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives. — K L Rahul (@klrahul11) May 21, 2020 × Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav paid condolences to the affected families in the cyclone Amphan: "My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the #AmphanCyclone Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, may God give them strength," he wrote. My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the #AmphanCyclone Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, may god give them strength. — Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) May 21, 2020 × Whereas, Laxman wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Eastern India as they weather the impact of #CycloneAmphan. We are going through a very challenging time and I pray for everyone's safety.” My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Eastern India as they weather the impact of #CycloneAmphan. We are going through a very challenging time and I pray for everyone's safety. — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 21, 2020 × Since the cyclone Amphan entered West Bengal, people have been left without electricity and communication. And looking at the aftermath of Amphan, it is going to take a couple of days to get the entire picture clear. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday evening termed Amphan as “a bigger disaster than COVID-19”. The situation surrounding COVID-19 in West Bengal has made things even trickier for authorities to work on the evacuation and restoration process.

Cyclone Amphan: 'May God protect everyone' - Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Kuldeep, Laxman pray for safety of those affected

India beat West Indies by 107 runs in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-beat-india-by-8-wickets-in-first-odi-268411">second one-day international</a> to level the series at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

Batsmen Rohit Sharma(159) and KL Rahul(102) were the stars of the show putting on a record breaking 227-run opening partnership followed by Kuldeep Yadav who took a hat-trick as the visitor's crashed to defeat.

Earlier, West Indies opted to field first for the second game in succession but unlike the first ODI there was no Indian top-order collapse instead Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul shared a mammoth 227-run partnership for the first wicket at better than a run-a-ball despite largely batting within themselves.

Rahul was the aggressor early on, but Rohit caught up - as he usually does - later in the innings and brought up his 28th one-day century from 108 balls. Two overs later, Rahul got to his third one-day ton to continue a rich recent vein of form but was dismissed by al-zari Joseph for 102.

Captain Virat Kohli then fell to a rare first-ball duck to the bowling of his opposite number Keiron Pollard - but it did not dent India's momentum.

The hosts scored 137 runs in the last 10 overs, 93 of them in the last 6 as Rishabh Pant and half-centurion Shreyas Iyer smacked the Windies bowlers all over the park to lead India to 387 for 5.

West Indies started well, reaching 56 for no loss after the first 10 overs, but fell away after Evin Lewis fell to Thakur. Hope(78) and Pooran(75) were the only stand-out batsmen along with Paul who scored 46 as the West Indian innings folded at 280 in just 43.3 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav's hat-trick propped up the hosts as India closed the match on a high. Rohit Sharma was declared the man of the match.&nbsp;

India beat West Indies by 107 runs in the second one-day international to level the series at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Batsmen Rohit Sharma(159) and KL Rahul(102) were the stars of the show putting on a record breaking 227-run opening partnership followed by Kuldeep Yadav who took a hat-trick as the visitor's crashed to defeat.

India beat West Indies by 107 runs in the second one-day international to level the series at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Batsmen Rohit Sharma(159) and KL Rahul(102) were the stars of the show putting on a record breaking 227-run opening partnership followed by Kuldeep Yadav who took a hat-trick as the visitor's crashed to defeat. Earlier, West Indies opted to field first for the second game in succession but unlike the first ODI there was no Indian top-order collapse instead Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul shared a mammoth 227-run partnership for the first wicket at better than a run-a-ball despite largely batting within themselves. Rahul was the aggressor early on, but Rohit caught up - as he usually does - later in the innings and brought up his 28th one-day century from 108 balls. Two overs later, Rahul got to his third one-day ton to continue a rich recent vein of form but was dismissed by al-zari Joseph for 102. Captain Virat Kohli then fell to a rare first-ball duck to the bowling of his opposite number Keiron Pollard - but it did not dent India's momentum. The hosts scored 137 runs in the last 10 overs, 93 of them in the last 6 as Rishabh Pant and half-centurion Shreyas Iyer smacked the Windies bowlers all over the park to lead India to 387 for 5. West Indies started well, reaching 56 for no loss after the first 10 overs, but fell away after Evin Lewis fell to Thakur. Hope(78) and Pooran(75) were the only stand-out batsmen along with Paul who scored 46 as the West Indian innings folded at 280 in just 43.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav's hat-trick propped up the hosts as India closed the match on a high. Rohit Sharma was declared the man of the match.

2nd ODI: India thrash West Indies, level series

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-team-india-currently-only-unbeaten-team-in-cricket-world-cup-2019-230997">India </a>have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-disappointed-on-my-conversion-rate-says-indias-kl-rahul-after-west-indies-win-231084">Indian </a>attack defended 224 against Afghanistan and 268 against West Indies on Thursday, with almost all the bowlers playing a part in these wins.

The all-round efforts show that India's bowling attack is not just about the world's number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

"Jasprit has been bowling really well and has been for a couple of years since his international debut," said Kuldeep, who took 1/35 including the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran for 28 against the West Indies.

"Then you have (Mohammed) Shami, who was only playing his second game and bowled really well. We've got a good fast bowling attack, as well as spinners. We're just looking for the team combination. We're doing really well as a bowling attack and that is important. In the last game (against Afghanistan) we defended 225 and showed we can defend a total like this," said Kuldeep.

Although the match finally turned out to be one-sided, the West Indies seemed in the hunt at the halfway stage.

Kemar Roach's three wickets had helped them put India under pressure, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-is-legend-of-the-game-we-always-back-him-says-indian-skipper-virat-kohli-231009">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) made crucial contributions.

"We played really well. At one moment we were looking at 250 and then Mahendra and Hardik gave us a good total," Kuldeep said.

"270 was really good on this track. Later the ball was spinning a bit and that gave us momentum. Shami picking up two early wickets was huge for us, then Hardik got one and I got one so it was a really satisfying performance," added Kuldeep.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says India have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says India have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup. The Indian attack defended 224 against Afghanistan and 268 against West Indies on Thursday, with almost all the bowlers playing a part in these wins. The all-round efforts show that India's bowling attack is not just about the world's number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah. "Jasprit has been bowling really well and has been for a couple of years since his international debut," said Kuldeep, who took 1/35 including the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran for 28 against the West Indies. "Then you have (Mohammed) Shami, who was only playing his second game and bowled really well. We've got a good fast bowling attack, as well as spinners. We're just looking for the team combination. We're doing really well as a bowling attack and that is important. In the last game (against Afghanistan) we defended 225 and showed we can defend a total like this," said Kuldeep. Although the match finally turned out to be one-sided, the West Indies seemed in the hunt at the halfway stage. Kemar Roach's three wickets had helped them put India under pressure, but Mahendra Singh Dhoni (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) made crucial contributions. "We played really well. At one moment we were looking at 250 and then Mahendra and Hardik gave us a good total," Kuldeep said. "270 was really good on this track. Later the ball was spinning a bit and that gave us momentum. Shami picking up two early wickets was huge for us, then Hardik got one and I got one so it was a really satisfying performance," added Kuldeep.

World Cup: Indian bowling attack can defend small totals, says Kuldeep Yadav

Harbhajan Singh has hailed wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for their key role in India's recent one-day successes, saying the pair should be fixtures for the rest of the World Cup.

Wrist spinners generally get more turn than finger spinners, with left-armer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-getting-babar-azam-out-was-dream-delivery-says-indias-kuldeep-yadav-228191&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY9Puqz_XiAhULMI8KHc0CCMUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PQP7UB7uwgxW_ku0mtQk3">Yadav striking twice</a> in India's 89-run hammering of arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday to prove his worth on English pitches that often favour the quicks at this stage of the season.&nbsp;

Chahal's leg-spinners did the damage in India's first World Cup outing against South Africa, with the bowler returning figures of 4-51.

Calls were made to replace Yadav with paceman Mohammed Shami against Pakistan but former India off-spinner Harbhajan said the team should stick with the spin twins.

"It is a very good combination," Harbhajan told AFP. "The results that India have got in the last two-and-a-half years, a lot of credit should be given to these guys.''

"I would like to see them playing together because none of the other teams have got two spinners and they don't have the habit of playing spin in the middle overs. It has worked for India to play two spinners, even in English conditions, because they are wrist spinners. If India are thinking about their best XI then these two will feature in all the games," Harbhajan said.

The two bowlers have 168 one-day international wickets between them in the three years since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-yuzvendra-chahal-terms-faf-du-plessis-wicket-as-favourite-224913&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwilo8i7z_XiAhUUk3AKHUKQAR0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dLJhTNBJKqIy4l5rQ4opB">Chahal </a>made his international debut in 2016. Yadav played his first ODI the following year.

The 24-year-old Yadav is 10 away from a century of wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.92 in 47 ODIs.

"He has definitely got the capabilities and the talent to be there for a long period of time," said the 38-year-old Harbhajan, who last played for India in a 2016 Twenty20 match.

"(India coach) Ravi Shastri said he is our number one bowler. So it's good that the team is backing him," said Harbhajan, one of India's finest off-spinners, who took 417 wickets in 103 Tests and 269 wickets in 236 ODIs.

India, second in the ODI rankings, have been hit by injuries to opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan - out of the rest of the World Cup -&nbsp;and paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

India's strength 
 
But Harbhajan said Virat Kohli's side have strength in depth with Shami, who is yet to play at the World Cup, likely to replace Kumar in the next match against Afghanistan on Saturday.

"I think Shami is capable enough to win games on his own. He is one of those guys who has been a matchwinner on his own," said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan credited <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-virat-kohli-out-tv-cameras-show-indian-captain-walked-as-pak-captain-sarfaraz-claimed-catch-227693&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUn9jPz_XiAhXFQo8KHTYHBBgQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qweWUXFDFgW90TrfWK_kl">Kohli </a>for a fitness revolution that has improved all aspects of India's game, particularly their fielding.

"They are fit, agile, a proper fielding squad. All the credit must be given to Kohli for changing the face of Indian cricket in terms of fitness," said Harbhajan, a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team.

"So if you have better fitness then your results always follow the way you want them to be," he said.

Harbhajan said England, holders Australia, New Zealand and India -&nbsp;the current top four -&nbsp;would qualify for the semi-finals, &nbsp;with Kohli's side the team to beat in the knockout phase.

"To beat India they (other teams) will have to bring their 'A' game on that day. India will be a very tough side to beat," Harbhajan&nbsp;said with a smile.

Harbhajan Singh has hailed wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for their key role in India's recent one-day successes, saying the pair should be fixtures for the rest of the World Cup.

Harbhajan Singh has hailed wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for their key role in India's recent one-day successes, saying the pair should be fixtures for the rest of the World Cup. Wrist spinners generally get more turn than finger spinners, with left-armer Yadav striking twice in India's 89-run hammering of arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday to prove his worth on English pitches that often favour the quicks at this stage of the season. Chahal's leg-spinners did the damage in India's first World Cup outing against South Africa, with the bowler returning figures of 4-51. Calls were made to replace Yadav with paceman Mohammed Shami against Pakistan but former India off-spinner Harbhajan said the team should stick with the spin twins. "It is a very good combination," Harbhajan told AFP. "The results that India have got in the last two-and-a-half years, a lot of credit should be given to these guys.'' "I would like to see them playing together because none of the other teams have got two spinners and they don't have the habit of playing spin in the middle overs. It has worked for India to play two spinners, even in English conditions, because they are wrist spinners. If India are thinking about their best XI then these two will feature in all the games," Harbhajan said. The two bowlers have 168 one-day international wickets between them in the three years since Chahal made his international debut in 2016. Yadav played his first ODI the following year. The 24-year-old Yadav is 10 away from a century of wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.92 in 47 ODIs. "He has definitely got the capabilities and the talent to be there for a long period of time," said the 38-year-old Harbhajan, who last played for India in a 2016 Twenty20 match. "(India coach) Ravi Shastri said he is our number one bowler. So it's good that the team is backing him," said Harbhajan, one of India's finest off-spinners, who took 417 wickets in 103 Tests and 269 wickets in 236 ODIs. India, second in the ODI rankings, have been hit by injuries to opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan - out of the rest of the World Cup - and paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar. India's strength But Harbhajan said Virat Kohli's side have strength in depth with Shami, who is yet to play at the World Cup, likely to replace Kumar in the next match against Afghanistan on Saturday. "I think Shami is capable enough to win games on his own. He is one of those guys who has been a matchwinner on his own," said Harbhajan. Harbhajan credited Kohli for a fitness revolution that has improved all aspects of India's game, particularly their fielding. "They are fit, agile, a proper fielding squad. All the credit must be given to Kohli for changing the face of Indian cricket in terms of fitness," said Harbhajan, a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. "So if you have better fitness then your results always follow the way you want them to be," he said. Harbhajan said England, holders Australia, New Zealand and India - the current top four - would qualify for the semi-finals, with Kohli's side the team to beat in the knockout phase. "To beat India they (other teams) will have to bring their 'A' game on that day. India will be a very tough side to beat," Harbhajan said with a smile.

Harbhajan tells Team India to stick with spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal at World Cup

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner.

Yadav returned figures of 2-32 with his left-arm wrist spin to play a key role in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-pakistan-by-89-runs-at-world-cup-227784">India's 89-run victory</a> via DLS over arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday.

Yadav got Azam bowled through the gate -&nbsp;the ball nipping between bat and pad - for 48 to end a 104-run second wicket stand involving Fakhar Zaman, who top scored with 62.

"Getting Babar Azam out was the best delivery for me in this tournament. I got him out in the Asia Cup as well," Yadav told reporters.

"After the rain break, I went back and watched that delivery. It had drift and turn, so any spinner will love that delivery. It's a proper dream delivery and a proper Test delivery. Deceiving the batsman in the air and making him commit the mistake. A perfect delivery," he said with a smile.

He struck again in his next over to send the left-handed Fakhar packing after the batsman played against the spin to give away a catch at short fine leg.

Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya also took two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 212 for six in a failed chase for their revised target of 302 in 40 overs.

"Both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman play spin well. They were rotating the strike and were attacking, so it was important to break that partnership," said Yadav.

"Getting Babar out and then another wicket put them under pressure and according to DLS they needed a very high run-rate and that was a plus point for us," he said.

Pundits had raised doubts about Yadav's performance in the World Cup after coming off an ordinary show in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.

But the 24-year-old spinner has held his own with 1-46 against South Africa and a breakthrough performance against Pakistan.

"Everyone is talking about my rhythm. I don't think I lost my rhythm. It happens when you don't pick wickets but the last three games I have bowled really well," he said.

"In the game against Australia they were struggling to hit me and that's important for any spinner," Yadav added.

India vice-captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milestone-men-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ensure-indias-maiden-century-partnership-against-pakistan-in-world-cup-227611">Rohit Sharma </a>stood out with his 140 off 113 deliveries during India's 336 for five in 50 overs.

But Sharma was quick to praise Yadav for his key strikes in the Pakistan innings.

"He's our match-winning bowler in that middle over the phase, and today also you saw how important those crucial wickets were," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-six-symbol-rohit-sharma-hits-most-sixes-beats-dhonis-record-227634">Sharma</a>.

"Both the batsmen were set. Of course, he didn't start the tournament the way he would like to, but for us as a group around him, our job is to just make sure that he gets that confidence, he gets that backing from the team," Sharma added.

Yadav has claimed 90 wickets from 47 ODI matches since his debut in 2017.

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner.

India's Kuldeep Yadav admitted bowling Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in the World Cup with a magical delivery that tossed and turned was a "dream" for any spinner. Yadav returned figures of 2-32 with his left-arm wrist spin to play a key role in India's 89-run victory via DLS over arch-rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday. Yadav got Azam bowled through the gate - the ball nipping between bat and pad - for 48 to end a 104-run second wicket stand involving Fakhar Zaman, who top scored with 62. "Getting Babar Azam out was the best delivery for me in this tournament. I got him out in the Asia Cup as well," Yadav told reporters. "After the rain break, I went back and watched that delivery. It had drift and turn, so any spinner will love that delivery. It's a proper dream delivery and a proper Test delivery. Deceiving the batsman in the air and making him commit the mistake. A perfect delivery," he said with a smile. He struck again in his next over to send the left-handed Fakhar packing after the batsman played against the spin to give away a catch at short fine leg. Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya also took two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 212 for six in a failed chase for their revised target of 302 in 40 overs. "Both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman play spin well. They were rotating the strike and were attacking, so it was important to break that partnership," said Yadav. "Getting Babar out and then another wicket put them under pressure and according to DLS they needed a very high run-rate and that was a plus point for us," he said. Pundits had raised doubts about Yadav's performance in the World Cup after coming off an ordinary show in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament. But the 24-year-old spinner has held his own with 1-46 against South Africa and a breakthrough performance against Pakistan. "Everyone is talking about my rhythm. I don't think I lost my rhythm. It happens when you don't pick wickets but the last three games I have bowled really well," he said. "In the game against Australia they were struggling to hit me and that's important for any spinner," Yadav added. India vice-captain Rohit Sharma stood out with his 140 off 113 deliveries during India's 336 for five in 50 overs. But Sharma was quick to praise Yadav for his key strikes in the Pakistan innings. "He's our match-winning bowler in that middle over the phase, and today also you saw how important those crucial wickets were," said Sharma. "Both the batsmen were set. Of course, he didn't start the tournament the way he would like to, but for us as a group around him, our job is to just make sure that he gets that confidence, he gets that backing from the team," Sharma added. Yadav has claimed 90 wickets from 47 ODI matches since his debut in 2017.

World Cup: Getting Babar Azam out was 'dream' delivery, says India's Kuldeep Yadav

World Cup: Indian team attends practice session ahead of crucial Pakistan clash

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan&nbsp;will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Dhawan, however,&nbsp;was spotted at the nets during India's practice session. The left-hand batsman&nbsp;was seen strolling around the ground, talking to India's bowling coach Bharat Arun and leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-amid-injury-scare-cricketer-shikhar-dhawan-tweets-couplet-226451">Dhawan </a>sustained the injury during his match-winning hundred against Australia on Sunday when Nathan Coulter-Nile's rising delivery hit on his hand.&nbsp;

Bangar also confirmed that back-up opener KL Rahul, who was picked to play at number four, will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order starting with Thursday's match against New Zealand.&nbsp;

"In 10-12 days we'll be taking a call on the status of Shikhar," Bangar told reporters after the team's light practice at Trent Bridge.

"If and when a replacement is required, it's always good to have the replacement player already in and practising regularly as a standby."

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham ahead of their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCCricketWorldCup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCCricketWorldCup2019</a> match against New Zealand, tomorrow. He had suffered a fracture on his thumb in India's match against Australia on 9 June &amp; has been ruled out for at least a week. <a href="https://t.co/4PjV3dvH6j">pic.twitter.com/4PjV3dvH6j</a>
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"...Dhawan is presently under the observation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-bcci-releases-official-statement-on-shikhar-dhawans-thumb-injury-226345">BCCI medical team</a>. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored," the Indian team said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb...," the statement added.&nbsp;

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand. Dhawan, however, was spotted at the nets during India's practice session. The left-hand batsman was seen strolling around the ground, talking to India's bowling coach Bharat Arun and leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Dhawan sustained the injury during his match-winning hundred against Australia on Sunday when Nathan Coulter-Nile's rising delivery hit on his hand. Bangar also confirmed that back-up opener KL Rahul, who was picked to play at number four, will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order starting with Thursday's match against New Zealand. "In 10-12 days we'll be taking a call on the status of Shikhar," Bangar told reporters after the team's light practice at Trent Bridge. "If and when a replacement is required, it's always good to have the replacement player already in and practising regularly as a standby." Watch: Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session #WATCH Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham ahead of their #ICCCricketWorldCup2019 match against New Zealand, tomorrow. He had suffered a fracture on his thumb in India's match against Australia on 9 June & has been ruled out for at least a week. pic.twitter.com/4PjV3dvH6j — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × "...Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored," the Indian team said in a statement. "Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb...," the statement added.

Watch: Injured Shikhar Dhawan during India's practice session ahead of New Zealand clash

India's gamble in playing two spinners in their opening World Cup match against South Africa proved to be a masterstroke as the bowlers spurred them to victory on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/batsmen-clueless-against-bumrah-never-seen-amla-get-out-like-that-in-odis-kohli-224806">captain Virat Kohli</a> said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-south-africa-by-six-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224756">Indians</a>, who are chasing their third World Cup title, condemned the South Africans to their third successive loss in the tournament after Yuzvendra Chahal bamboozled the batsmen with his leg-spin as he grabbed four wickets for 51 runs, while fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket.

India coasted to a solid, if unspectacular, six-wicket victory with 15 balls remaining after opener Rohit Sharma carried his bat to score an unbeaten 122.

"Picking the two spinners were a massive factor for us," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-quinton-de-kocks-stunning-catch-that-dismissed-indias-virat-kohli-in-world-cup-224765">Kohli </a>told a news conference.

"The last time we played them, they were trying to hit boundaries rather than take singles and as a captain, I will take that any day as there is more of a risk factor in such strokes," Kohli added.

The spin duo picked up the baton after Jasprit Bumrah gave the Indians a great start by dismissing South African openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock inside six overs with a devastating spell of swing bowling.

"Obviously, Bumrah is bowling at a different level and Chahal as a youngster never refuses to take the ball in any condition," added Kohli.

With South Africa restricted to 227-9 from their 50 overs on a batting-friendly wicket, India knew they did not have to take many risks to get the win on the board.

Kohli also rated Sharma's century as the best the opener has scored among the 23 tons he has notched up so far in his career.

Sharma, who got off to a nervous start with a couple of half chances, stroked 122 runs off 144 balls, peppered with 13 boundaries and two sixes.

"Some of the balls were bouncing around and there is always the temptation to hit yourself out of trouble but he brilliantly controlled his innings and held up one end and we never thought he was going to throw his wicket away," Kohli said.

Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019 " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b065685e-9839-4771-9721-7d157e9fa4d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_22.jpg" />

India travel to the Oval in London on Sunday to face Australia in their next game.

India's gamble in playing two spinners in their opening World Cup match against South Africa proved to be a masterstroke as the bowlers spurred them to victory on Wednesday, captain Virat Kohli said.

India's gamble in playing two spinners in their opening World Cup match against South Africa proved to be a masterstroke as the bowlers spurred them to victory on Wednesday, captain Virat Kohli said. The Indians, who are chasing their third World Cup title, condemned the South Africans to their third successive loss in the tournament after Yuzvendra Chahal bamboozled the batsmen with his leg-spin as he grabbed four wickets for 51 runs, while fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket. India coasted to a solid, if unspectacular, six-wicket victory with 15 balls remaining after opener Rohit Sharma carried his bat to score an unbeaten 122. "Picking the two spinners were a massive factor for us," Kohli told a news conference. "The last time we played them, they were trying to hit boundaries rather than take singles and as a captain, I will take that any day as there is more of a risk factor in such strokes," Kohli added. The spin duo picked up the baton after Jasprit Bumrah gave the Indians a great start by dismissing South African openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock inside six overs with a devastating spell of swing bowling. "Obviously, Bumrah is bowling at a different level and Chahal as a youngster never refuses to take the ball in any condition," added Kohli. With South Africa restricted to 227-9 from their 50 overs on a batting-friendly wicket, India knew they did not have to take many risks to get the win on the board. Kohli also rated Sharma's century as the best the opener has scored among the 23 tons he has notched up so far in his career. Sharma, who got off to a nervous start with a couple of half chances, stroked 122 runs off 144 balls, peppered with 13 boundaries and two sixes. "Some of the balls were bouncing around and there is always the temptation to hit yourself out of trouble but he brilliantly controlled his innings and held up one end and we never thought he was going to throw his wicket away," Kohli said. Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: India travel to the Oval in London on Sunday to face Australia in their next game.

World Cup: Kohli says, picking two spinners was masterstroke in win against South Africa

Ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup campaign</a> opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised&nbsp;throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni.&nbsp;

The head coach Ravi Shastri gave tips to the players and he was present during the practice sessions&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton.&nbsp;

India will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5.&nbsp;

This was the team's second practice session and it lasted for more than three hours.&nbsp;

Apart from enhancing fielding skills, openers&nbsp;Rohit Sharma and&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan spent time batting in the nets along with KL Rahul, who is almost final to play for India at the number four spot.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya was seen stretching his back due to some issue but later bowled in the nets.

Watch the video:

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Pace and spin in tandem in the nets 💪💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/UUKTPwvV7H">pic.twitter.com/UUKTPwvV7H</a>
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Caption this? 📸📸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1anayWs7Gh">pic.twitter.com/1anayWs7Gh</a>
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Also, Kuldeep Yadav also looked in good shape after he missed the first practice session and bowled to Dhoni in the nets.

Ahead of their World Cup campaign opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni.

Ahead of their World Cup campaign opener, Team India was seen honing their fielding skills as Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar practised throws and catch including the skipper Virat Kohli and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni. The head coach Ravi Shastri gave tips to the players and he was present during the practice sessions at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton. India will open their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5. This was the team's second practice session and it lasted for more than three hours. Apart from enhancing fielding skills, openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan spent time batting in the nets along with KL Rahul, who is almost final to play for India at the number four spot. Hardik Pandya was seen stretching his back due to some issue but later bowled in the nets. Watch the video: Pace and spin in tandem in the nets 💪💪#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/UUKTPwvV7H — BCCI (@BCCI) June 1, 2019 × Caption this? 📸📸#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/1anayWs7Gh — BCCI (@BCCI) June 1, 2019 × Also, Kuldeep Yadav also looked in good shape after he missed the first practice session and bowled to Dhoni in the nets.

Watch: Indian team practice ahead of their campaign opener

India's spinner Kuldeep Yadav believes he wouldn't have been successful at the world stage had it not been for skipper Virat Kohli, who gave him the freedom to attack.&nbsp;

"You need a skipper who backs you and believes in your ability to shine on the big stage. You think we could have been so successful if Kohli bhai had not given us the freedom to attack? I don't think so," Kuldeep told PTI in an interview.&nbsp;

Kuldeep, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders, was badly let down by the batting-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens in this year's IPL as he returned with just four wickets from nine matches before being dropped by his franchise in the business end of the tournament.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old said he is looking forward to put the IPL disappointment behind with a spectacular performance in the upcoming World Cup beginning May 30.&nbsp;

"IPL is very different than World Cup. There are players who have done well in IPL but have struggled to make a mark for the country. I've matured as a bowler and by no means it will affect my performance in the World Cup," Kuldeep said.&nbsp;

"It's (T20) such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs. I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets."&nbsp;

By his own standard, an average of 71.50 in IPL is something he would look to forget. &nbsp;

"If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a mature cricketer and think more about the team," Kuldeep said.&nbsp;

Kuldeep also spoke about the recent controversy about his comments on Mahendra Singh Dhoni that sometimes the former skipper "goes wrong" with his tips.&nbsp;

"How can a youngster like me make such comments on a senior member of the side? My comments had been misinterpreted by media to create a controversy," he said.&nbsp;

"There is no doubt that his tips have been invaluable not only for me but for the entire team. His presence behind the stumps makes our job easy and nobody can change that fact. We wouldn't have been half as effective without his inputs."&nbsp;

Andre Russell was a terror in the IPL with his batting exploits and single-handedly turned KKR's fortunes before they failed to make the playoffs.&nbsp;

Kuldeep said he has learnt a few tricks which he would employ against the West Indian in the World Cup.&nbsp;

"He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness. It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he signed off. &nbsp;

India's spinner Kuldeep Yadav believes he wouldn't have been successful at the world stage had it not been for skipper Virat Kohli, who gave him the freedom to attack.

India's spinner Kuldeep Yadav believes he wouldn't have been successful at the world stage had it not been for skipper Virat Kohli, who gave him the freedom to attack. "You need a skipper who backs you and believes in your ability to shine on the big stage. You think we could have been so successful if Kohli bhai had not given us the freedom to attack? I don't think so," Kuldeep told PTI in an interview. Kuldeep, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders, was badly let down by the batting-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens in this year's IPL as he returned with just four wickets from nine matches before being dropped by his franchise in the business end of the tournament. The 24-year-old said he is looking forward to put the IPL disappointment behind with a spectacular performance in the upcoming World Cup beginning May 30. "IPL is very different than World Cup. There are players who have done well in IPL but have struggled to make a mark for the country. I've matured as a bowler and by no means it will affect my performance in the World Cup," Kuldeep said. "It's (T20) such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs. I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets." By his own standard, an average of 71.50 in IPL is something he would look to forget. "If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a mature cricketer and think more about the team," Kuldeep said. Kuldeep also spoke about the recent controversy about his comments on Mahendra Singh Dhoni that sometimes the former skipper "goes wrong" with his tips. "How can a youngster like me make such comments on a senior member of the side? My comments had been misinterpreted by media to create a controversy," he said. "There is no doubt that his tips have been invaluable not only for me but for the entire team. His presence behind the stumps makes our job easy and nobody can change that fact. We wouldn't have been half as effective without his inputs." Andre Russell was a terror in the IPL with his batting exploits and single-handedly turned KKR's fortunes before they failed to make the playoffs. Kuldeep said he has learnt a few tricks which he would employ against the West Indian in the World Cup. "He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness. It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he signed off.

'IPL is very different than World Cup,' says Kuldeep Yadav on his performance

Indian spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Kuldeep+Yadav">Kuldeep Yadav</a> took a jibe at his teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mahendra+Singh+Dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a>'s falter decisions and jokingly said that no one can say anything to him. &nbsp;

Kuldeep, who is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England, said that former Indian captain, who is known decisive and accurate decision behind the stumps, sometimes goes wrong.&nbsp;

"There are a lot of times he (Dhoni) goes wrong but then you can't say that to him," Kuldeep joked during an award show on Monday.&nbsp;

Kuldeep also said that Dhoni speaks after the end of an over only if it is required.&nbsp;

"He doesn't speak much. He speaks only between overs if he thinks he needs to point out something," added Kuldeep.&nbsp;

Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai team, became the most successful wicket-keeper in the history of IPL by taking his dismissals tally to 132.&nbsp;

Lately, CSK spinner Imran Tahir praised Dhoni after achieving career-best 4 for 27 against KKR during an IPL league match.&nbsp;

The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is helping him a lot.&nbsp;

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav took a jibe at his teammate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's falter decisions and jokingly said that no one can say anything to him. Kuldeep, who is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England, said that former Indian captain, who is known decisive and accurate decision behind the stumps, sometimes goes wrong.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav took a jibe at his teammate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's falter decisions and jokingly said that no one can say anything to him. Kuldeep, who is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England, said that former Indian captain, who is known decisive and accurate decision behind the stumps, sometimes goes wrong. "There are a lot of times he (Dhoni) goes wrong but then you can't say that to him," Kuldeep joked during an award show on Monday. Kuldeep also said that Dhoni speaks after the end of an over only if it is required. "He doesn't speak much. He speaks only between overs if he thinks he needs to point out something," added Kuldeep. Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai team, became the most successful wicket-keeper in the history of IPL by taking his dismissals tally to 132. Lately, CSK spinner Imran Tahir praised Dhoni after achieving career-best 4 for 27 against KKR during an IPL league match. The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is helping him a lot.

Even MS Dhoni makes mistakes: Kuldeep Yadav teases MSD for his rare errors

The head coach of Kolkata,&nbsp;Jacques Kallis, said that the omission of spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the team was done keeping in mind the team's balance and he's quite sure that it would not affect his performance in the upcoming World Cup.

"The wickets we have played on at Eden Gardens this year, it hasn't spun at all and it has been tough for spinners. It has been a tough year for him but he will learn from this. You have got to understand 50-over format is quite different from the 20-over format," Kallis told reporters.

"I don't think it will affect him, it's just a different format and unfortunately looking at the makeup of the side, he has not played the last couple of games. He has been working quite hard in the nets and seems to be getting it right again, so I am sure he will be okay for the World Cup," he added.

Kolkata's decision to drop Kuldeep from the playing XI in the last two matches&nbsp;against Rajasthan and Mumbai&nbsp;made many heads turn and many people criticised the team's decision to drop the spinner from the team before the upcoming World Cup.

The team suffered six straight defeats after registering four wins out of their opening five matches.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-andre-russell-shines-as-kolkata-beat-mumbai-by-34-runs-214242&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic_uzl4_7hAhXEmeYKHUOCDLMQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QK4lbv7dCc7-egybj-Phw">Kolkata&nbsp;was able to win their last match against Mumbai on Sunday at Eden Gardens</a> in Kolkata and as a result of that win, the team still remains in the hunt for playoffs.

Kolkata currently stands at the sixth position in the IPL league standings with 10 points from 12 matches.

The team next takes on Punjab on May 3 at Mohali.

The head coach of Kolkata, Jacques Kallis, said that the omission of spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the team was done keeping in mind the team's balance and he's quite sure that it would not affect his performance in the upcoming World Cup.

The head coach of Kolkata, Jacques Kallis, said that the omission of spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the team was done keeping in mind the team's balance and he's quite sure that it would not affect his performance in the upcoming World Cup. "The wickets we have played on at Eden Gardens this year, it hasn't spun at all and it has been tough for spinners. It has been a tough year for him but he will learn from this. You have got to understand 50-over format is quite different from the 20-over format," Kallis told reporters. "I don't think it will affect him, it's just a different format and unfortunately looking at the makeup of the side, he has not played the last couple of games. He has been working quite hard in the nets and seems to be getting it right again, so I am sure he will be okay for the World Cup," he added. Kolkata's decision to drop Kuldeep from the playing XI in the last two matches against Rajasthan and Mumbai made many heads turn and many people criticised the team's decision to drop the spinner from the team before the upcoming World Cup. The team suffered six straight defeats after registering four wins out of their opening five matches. Kolkata was able to win their last match against Mumbai on Sunday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and as a result of that win, the team still remains in the hunt for playoffs. Kolkata currently stands at the sixth position in the IPL league standings with 10 points from 12 matches. The team next takes on Punjab on May 3 at Mohali.

IPL 2019: Kolkata coach opens up on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from the team's last two games

He is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England but chinaman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=kuldeep+yadav">Kuldeep Yadav</a>'s slump prompted Kolkata's team management to drop him from the playing XI against Hyderabad barely six weeks before the big event.&nbsp;

The wrist spinner has only got four wickets in nine IPL games at an economy rate of 8.66 and Kolkata dropped him in their 10th game even though his replacement, KC Cariappa, fared worse, giving away 34 runs in two overs.

When asked about Kuldeep's absence from the playing XI, Kolkata skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=dinesh+karthik">Dinesh Karthik</a> made it clear that he was dropped owing to poor form.

"A form issue with (Kuldeep) - as he couldn't stand up for us in the last game. We had to give him a break and get him back fresh."

However, despite his poor form, Kolkata's other spinners went for plenty and gave away a cumulative 106 runs in nine overs.

"Our bowling has been off colour in the tournament. Our fielding needs a lot of improvement too," said skipper Karthik, who is also under scanner due to his poor form and a controversial berth in the World Cup-bound squad.&nbsp;

"I think 160 was a par score on this wicket if we'd bowled well. I think they (Warner and Bairstow) batted really well but our fielding cost us. And after that dropped catch (off Prithviraj), he (Bairstow) came at us all guns blazing. A wicket of Bairstow would have felt better, feel for the guy (Yarra Prithviraj). We have been outplayed in this game," Karthik said.&nbsp;

He is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England but chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's slump prompted Kolkata's team management to drop him from the playing XI against Hyderabad barely six weeks before the big event.

He is expected to play a vital role in India's World Cup campaign in England but chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's slump prompted Kolkata's team management to drop him from the playing XI against Hyderabad barely six weeks before the big event. The wrist spinner has only got four wickets in nine IPL games at an economy rate of 8.66 and Kolkata dropped him in their 10th game even though his replacement, KC Cariappa, fared worse, giving away 34 runs in two overs. When asked about Kuldeep's absence from the playing XI, Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik made it clear that he was dropped owing to poor form. "A form issue with (Kuldeep) - as he couldn't stand up for us in the last game. We had to give him a break and get him back fresh." However, despite his poor form, Kolkata's other spinners went for plenty and gave away a cumulative 106 runs in nine overs. "Our bowling has been off colour in the tournament. Our fielding needs a lot of improvement too," said skipper Karthik, who is also under scanner due to his poor form and a controversial berth in the World Cup-bound squad. "I think 160 was a par score on this wicket if we'd bowled well. I think they (Warner and Bairstow) batted really well but our fielding cost us. And after that dropped catch (off Prithviraj), he (Bairstow) came at us all guns blazing. A wicket of Bairstow would have felt better, feel for the guy (Yarra Prithviraj). We have been outplayed in this game," Karthik said.

Kuldeep Yadav dropped from playing XI due to 'poor form': Dinesh Karthik

Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement.&nbsp;

During a promotional event, Karthik said, "Among the foreigners, Russell.. He kills it, so he`s got a good fashion sense as well."&nbsp;

Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, plundering 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this season of the IPL.&nbsp;

With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation among Indian fans and now he is standing out for his dressing sense too.&nbsp;

Apart from Russell, Karthik was also asked about the Indian players with the best dressing sense in the team.&nbsp;

He replied, "Kuldeep (Yadav) dresses really hard, Shubman (Gill) is somebody who is very stylish, Nitish Rana comes to my mind... These are all very fashionable guys."&nbsp;

Karthik took over from Gautam Gambhir last year and had said that he has it in him to steer the side to at least the playoffs.&nbsp;

Asked about which team is the favourite this time, Karthik said: "It`s difficult to say which team is the favourite since all 8 teams are on the same level. Hard to say which team is the big rival.. All teams are equally balanced and whoever plays better on the given day will be the winner."&nbsp;

Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement.

Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement. During a promotional event, Karthik said, "Among the foreigners, Russell.. He kills it, so he`s got a good fashion sense as well." Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, plundering 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this season of the IPL. With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation among Indian fans and now he is standing out for his dressing sense too. Apart from Russell, Karthik was also asked about the Indian players with the best dressing sense in the team. He replied, "Kuldeep (Yadav) dresses really hard, Shubman (Gill) is somebody who is very stylish, Nitish Rana comes to my mind... These are all very fashionable guys." Karthik took over from Gautam Gambhir last year and had said that he has it in him to steer the side to at least the playoffs. Asked about which team is the favourite this time, Karthik said: "It`s difficult to say which team is the favourite since all 8 teams are on the same level. Hard to say which team is the big rival.. All teams are equally balanced and whoever plays better on the given day will be the winner."

Russell, Kuldeep, Shubman or Nitish? Dinesh Karthik picks most stylish player in Kolkata team

Indian spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kolkata-teammate-kuldeep-yadav-reveals-andre-russells-weakness-ahead-of-cricket-world-cup-209611">Kuldeep Yadav</a>, who also plays for Kolkata franchise in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>, spoke about his national team's captain Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

He said, "He's one of the best in the world, has broken so many records I don't think he will be affected by this," Kuldeep said.&nbsp;

"He has a different hunger when he plays for India. Everyone is highly motivated to do well in the World Cup," Kuldeep added.&nbsp;

Kuldeep refused to believe that the IPL losing streak will affect the skipper's form going into the World Cup.&nbsp;

The Kohli-led Bangalore team have lost six matches on the trot this IPL season but Kuldeep backed his captain.&nbsp;

Kuldeep also gave his opinion on Bangalore's disappointing performance.&nbsp;

He said, "With 5000-plus runs, individually he's doing his best. But maybe his team combination is not clicking. Maybe somewhere down the line he's lacking in team combination. It's a team combination.&nbsp;

"He's in great touch and if he keeps doing well like that it will be good for India in World Cup," Kuldeep concluded. &nbsp;

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who also plays for Kolkata franchise in the Indian Premier League, spoke about his national team's captain Virat Kohli. He said, "He's one of the best in the world, has broken so many records I don't think he will be affected by this," Kuldeep said.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who also plays for Kolkata franchise in the Indian Premier League, spoke about his national team's captain Virat Kohli. He said, "He's one of the best in the world, has broken so many records I don't think he will be affected by this," Kuldeep said. "He has a different hunger when he plays for India. Everyone is highly motivated to do well in the World Cup," Kuldeep added. Kuldeep refused to believe that the IPL losing streak will affect the skipper's form going into the World Cup. The Kohli-led Bangalore team have lost six matches on the trot this IPL season but Kuldeep backed his captain. Kuldeep also gave his opinion on Bangalore's disappointing performance. He said, "With 5000-plus runs, individually he's doing his best. But maybe his team combination is not clicking. Maybe somewhere down the line he's lacking in team combination. It's a team combination. "He's in great touch and if he keeps doing well like that it will be good for India in World Cup," Kuldeep concluded.

Virat Kohli has different kind of hunger when he plays for India, says Kuldeep Yadav

Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup.&nbsp;

Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, amassing 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;

However, his Kolkata teammate Kuldeep said he has found a chink in Russell's armour which he will look to exploit during the May 30-July 14 showpiece event.&nbsp;

"He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness," the 24-year-old told PTI in an interview.&nbsp;

"It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he added.&nbsp;

He has been sharing the dressing room with Russell but Kuldeep conceded that he has never bowled to him at the nets.&nbsp;

"He does not take chance against spinners. He's a terror for pacers. And I've never bowled him at the nets. You are always under pressure when you're hit for two sixes in a row," he said.&nbsp;

"It's important how you come back. All it takes is one ball to get the batsman out. You can assess a player's character by that."&nbsp;

Kuldeep has so far taken just three wickets from six matches but the India wrist spinner said he is happy with his performance and he has matured as a cricketer.&nbsp;

"If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a matured cricketer and think more about the team. Even as I'm not taking wickets, my economy rate is tight," he pointed out.&nbsp;

"I feel in this IPL batsmen are not attacking me so much. The batsmen are no more hitting big shots against me. I'm conceding three-four boundaries in every match which means batsmen are trying to play safe barring one match against Delhi."&nbsp;

"It's such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs.&nbsp;

I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets," he said.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old from Kanpur went on to cite the example of his fellow India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken nine wickets from six matches but his team Bangalore are yet to win a match.&nbsp;

"Chahal performing well but team is not doing well. You have to play according to your plan. It does not matter if you take nine wickets when your team is at the bottom. I don't think I'm not bowling well," he reiterated.&nbsp;

Kuldeep will have a role to play when KKR takes on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens Friday.&nbsp;

He, however, blamed the Eden wicket for not aiding spinners anymore.&nbsp;

"The wicket does not help spinners anymore as it used to three-four years ago. It has become batting-friendly wicket. Good for T20 cricket," he said.&nbsp;

The World Cup is immediately after the IPL and late night matches and a hectic schedule is taking a toll on players but Kuldeep said they're smart enough to handle themselves.&nbsp;

"IPL is very different than World Cup. There's no pressure in franchise cricket. You are under a lot of pressure when you play for India.&nbsp;

Someone doing well in IPL also struggles for India. But of course you carry that confidence," Kuldeep signed off.&nbsp;

Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup.

Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup. Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, amassing 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this Indian Premier League. However, his Kolkata teammate Kuldeep said he has found a chink in Russell's armour which he will look to exploit during the May 30-July 14 showpiece event. "He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness," the 24-year-old told PTI in an interview. "It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he added. He has been sharing the dressing room with Russell but Kuldeep conceded that he has never bowled to him at the nets. "He does not take chance against spinners. He's a terror for pacers. And I've never bowled him at the nets. You are always under pressure when you're hit for two sixes in a row," he said. "It's important how you come back. All it takes is one ball to get the batsman out. You can assess a player's character by that." Kuldeep has so far taken just three wickets from six matches but the India wrist spinner said he is happy with his performance and he has matured as a cricketer. "If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a matured cricketer and think more about the team. Even as I'm not taking wickets, my economy rate is tight," he pointed out. "I feel in this IPL batsmen are not attacking me so much. The batsmen are no more hitting big shots against me. I'm conceding three-four boundaries in every match which means batsmen are trying to play safe barring one match against Delhi." "It's such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs. I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets," he said. The 24-year-old from Kanpur went on to cite the example of his fellow India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken nine wickets from six matches but his team Bangalore are yet to win a match. "Chahal performing well but team is not doing well. You have to play according to your plan. It does not matter if you take nine wickets when your team is at the bottom. I don't think I'm not bowling well," he reiterated. Kuldeep will have a role to play when KKR takes on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens Friday. He, however, blamed the Eden wicket for not aiding spinners anymore. "The wicket does not help spinners anymore as it used to three-four years ago. It has become batting-friendly wicket. Good for T20 cricket," he said. The World Cup is immediately after the IPL and late night matches and a hectic schedule is taking a toll on players but Kuldeep said they're smart enough to handle themselves. "IPL is very different than World Cup. There's no pressure in franchise cricket. You are under a lot of pressure when you play for India. Someone doing well in IPL also struggles for India. But of course you carry that confidence," Kuldeep signed off.

Kolkata teammate Kuldeep Yadav reveals Andre Russell's weakness ahead of cricket World Cup

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan&nbsp;clash with Punjab tomorrow.

"We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin.

Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball.

Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated.

"I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said.

When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong.

"Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said.&nbsp;

Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team.&nbsp;

"The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian. The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan clash with Punjab tomorrow. "We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin. Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball. Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated. "I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said. When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong. "Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said. Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team. "The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith is a quality player but no comeback is easy: Punjab skipper R Ashwin

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav says Mahendra Singh Dhoni's understanding of match situations beats that of the bowlers and the former captain's presence behind the stumps makes his job easy.&nbsp;

Yadav, who is quite vocal in his admiration for Dhoni, said he feels lucky to play alongside the iconic keeper-batsman, who led India to two world titles.

"He always guides us bowlers, whenever he feels the need to get his message across he does it. When the wicketkeeper supports you like that, it becomes easier for the bowler," Yadav was quoted as saying by India Today's YouTube channel 'Sports Tak'.

"A lot of times, the bowler is not able to understand the situation but the wicketkeeper understands it better. Mahi bhai is just like that.

"He has so much experience. He tells gives us small details and even when he doesn't, I make sure to ask him for guidance. Chahal and I feel very lucky to be playing with him. Bowling becomes easier with Mahi bhai behind the stumps," he added.

Speaking on India's chances at the World Cup in England, starting May 30, Yadav said the 2011 champions are in with a great opportunity but he also expects teams like England and Pakistan to do well.&nbsp;

"We definitely have the chance to bring the World Cup home. But I feel England has a strong batting line-up as compared to the other teams. They will be playing in home conditions.

"I think Pakistan will also perform well in the World Cup looking at the way they have been performing. So I think England and Pakistan will be the ones to watch out for," Yadav said.

The left-arm spinner also lauded India's pace attack.

"We have a very good combination of bowlers in the side now. We train together and back each other which is the biggest plus point," Yadav said.

On current captain Virat Kohli, Yadav said, "Virat bhai always backs us. He understands our bowling styles be it spinners or fast bowlers. He is a very attacking captain.

"It feels good as a spinner because then we get to take wickets regularly. He supports not only me and Chahal but all the other youngsters in the team," he added.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav says Mahendra Singh Dhoni's understanding of match situations beats that of the bowlers and the former captain's presence behind the stumps makes his job easy.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav says Mahendra Singh Dhoni's understanding of match situations beats that of the bowlers and the former captain's presence behind the stumps makes his job easy. Yadav, who is quite vocal in his admiration for Dhoni, said he feels lucky to play alongside the iconic keeper-batsman, who led India to two world titles. "He always guides us bowlers, whenever he feels the need to get his message across he does it. When the wicketkeeper supports you like that, it becomes easier for the bowler," Yadav was quoted as saying by India Today's YouTube channel 'Sports Tak'. "A lot of times, the bowler is not able to understand the situation but the wicketkeeper understands it better. Mahi bhai is just like that. "He has so much experience. He tells gives us small details and even when he doesn't, I make sure to ask him for guidance. Chahal and I feel very lucky to be playing with him. Bowling becomes easier with Mahi bhai behind the stumps," he added. Speaking on India's chances at the World Cup in England, starting May 30, Yadav said the 2011 champions are in with a great opportunity but he also expects teams like England and Pakistan to do well. "We definitely have the chance to bring the World Cup home. But I feel England has a strong batting line-up as compared to the other teams. They will be playing in home conditions. "I think Pakistan will also perform well in the World Cup looking at the way they have been performing. So I think England and Pakistan will be the ones to watch out for," Yadav said. The left-arm spinner also lauded India's pace attack. "We have a very good combination of bowlers in the side now. We train together and back each other which is the biggest plus point," Yadav said. On current captain Virat Kohli, Yadav said, "Virat bhai always backs us. He understands our bowling styles be it spinners or fast bowlers. He is a very attacking captain. "It feels good as a spinner because then we get to take wickets regularly. He supports not only me and Chahal but all the other youngsters in the team," he added.

Dhoni understands match situations better than bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav

It wasn't over till the last over: Major takeaways from 2nd India-Australia ODI

"We haven't ousted anyone but made use of opportunities that we got," was how young chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav responded when asked if Yuzvendra Chahal and his performances have literally shut the ODI door on veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

The wrist spinner duo of Chahal and Kuldeep have been a regular feature in India's ODI format confining finger spinner Ashwin to the sidelines and relegating Ravindra Jadeja as the third specialist spinner.

"No, no, not at all. We haven't ousted anyone. It's just that we have got the opportunities and we did well. They (Ashwin and Jadeja) have always been doing well for India. In Test matches, Ash (Ravichandran Ashwin) and Jaddu Bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) are still playing," Kuldeep said on the eve of the second ODI.

Since it was a leading question, Kuldeep made an extra effort to make it clear that the perception of wrist spinners getting preferential treatment compared to finger spinners.&nbsp;

"We learn a lot from them (Ashwin and Jadeja). They have a lot of experience. When I am in the Test squad, I learn a lot from them. Whenever we got an opportunity, for me and Chahal, we have performed for the team and that helped the team to win, so happy about it," Kuldeep waxed eloquent about the kind of relation that the duo share with the senior pair.&nbsp;

In the first game, Kuldeep bowled well and got two wickets while Jadeja despite going wicketless was very economical. With Chahal also waiting for his chance, Kuldeep is happy that all spinners are bowling well.

"To be honest, myself, (Yuzvendra Chahal) and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) are playing really well so nothing much to worry about and we are focusing game by game," added Kuldeep.

Quizzed if he has ever felt pressure while bowling to any batsmen, he said: "No one to be very honest. There are few players, who have played me well and I am not afraid of getting hit."

However Shaun Marsh, according to Kuldeep is one batsman, who has really played him well.&nbsp;

"Shaun Marsh is a very good player of spin bowling. In Australia, Shaun Marsh was playing really well (against me) and they (team management) wanted to give me a break for a couple of games.&nbsp;

"After that, I studied Marsh's batting and saw him playing a lot of deliveries on the front-foot and it paid off. But it will be important how I bowl to him in the next game if he plays," he said.

Having already played 12 ODIs against Australia, there is a sense of familiarity about the opposition batting line-up.

"Of course, it been two years (now) I am playing international cricket and I have almost played 10-12 matches against Australia in One Day format.

Nowadays, video analysis is there, it is not very hard to pick a bowler.&nbsp;

To add another dimension to his game, Kuldeep has now started devoting extra time on his batting under the watchful eyes of assistant coach Sanjay Bangar.

"Of course, batting is important&nbsp;be it in ODI or Test cricket. I am focussing more on batting, every session I am batting for 20-odd minutes. Batting becomes important in some of the close matches and I am working with Sanjay Sir (Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar)," he signed off.

"We haven't ousted anyone but made use of opportunities that we got," was how young chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav responded when asked if Yuzvendra Chahal and his performances have literally shut the ODI door on veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

"We haven't ousted anyone but made use of opportunities that we got," was how young chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav responded when asked if Yuzvendra Chahal and his performances have literally shut the ODI door on veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The wrist spinner duo of Chahal and Kuldeep have been a regular feature in India's ODI format confining finger spinner Ashwin to the sidelines and relegating Ravindra Jadeja as the third specialist spinner. "No, no, not at all. We haven't ousted anyone. It's just that we have got the opportunities and we did well. They (Ashwin and Jadeja) have always been doing well for India. In Test matches, Ash (Ravichandran Ashwin) and Jaddu Bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) are still playing," Kuldeep said on the eve of the second ODI. Since it was a leading question, Kuldeep made an extra effort to make it clear that the perception of wrist spinners getting preferential treatment compared to finger spinners. "We learn a lot from them (Ashwin and Jadeja). They have a lot of experience. When I am in the Test squad, I learn a lot from them. Whenever we got an opportunity, for me and Chahal, we have performed for the team and that helped the team to win, so happy about it," Kuldeep waxed eloquent about the kind of relation that the duo share with the senior pair. In the first game, Kuldeep bowled well and got two wickets while Jadeja despite going wicketless was very economical. With Chahal also waiting for his chance, Kuldeep is happy that all spinners are bowling well. "To be honest, myself, (Yuzvendra Chahal) and Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) are playing really well so nothing much to worry about and we are focusing game by game," added Kuldeep. Quizzed if he has ever felt pressure while bowling to any batsmen, he said: "No one to be very honest. There are few players, who have played me well and I am not afraid of getting hit." However Shaun Marsh, according to Kuldeep is one batsman, who has really played him well. "Shaun Marsh is a very good player of spin bowling. In Australia, Shaun Marsh was playing really well (against me) and they (team management) wanted to give me a break for a couple of games. "After that, I studied Marsh's batting and saw him playing a lot of deliveries on the front-foot and it paid off. But it will be important how I bowl to him in the next game if he plays," he said. Having already played 12 ODIs against Australia, there is a sense of familiarity about the opposition batting line-up. "Of course, it been two years (now) I am playing international cricket and I have almost played 10-12 matches against Australia in One Day format. Nowadays, video analysis is there, it is not very hard to pick a bowler. To add another dimension to his game, Kuldeep has now started devoting extra time on his batting under the watchful eyes of assistant coach Sanjay Bangar. "Of course, batting is important be it in ODI or Test cricket. I am focussing more on batting, every session I am batting for 20-odd minutes. Batting becomes important in some of the close matches and I am working with Sanjay Sir (Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar)," he signed off.

We haven't ousted Ashwin, Jadeja, just made use of our opportunities: Kuldeep Yadav

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series.&nbsp;

Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five O<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-odi-dinesh-karthik-dropped-kl-rahul-returns-to-squad-197613">ne-Day International series</a>.&nbsp;

Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.&nbsp;

While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket.

He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack.&nbsp;

Rishabh&nbsp;Pant has found a place in both the squads.

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India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a>
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India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series. Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads. The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket. He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack. Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads. India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande #INDvAUS — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2019 × India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

India vs Australia, T20I: Leg-spinner Mayank Markande picked, Kuldeep Yadav rested

India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

The host's innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs.

Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Earlier, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a &nbsp;dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early.

Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. &nbsp;

Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit."

India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records.&nbsp;

Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team."&nbsp;

"It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday.

India's left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a paltry 157 runs in the first One-day International against India at the McLean Park, Napier on Wednesday. The host's innings ended in just 38 overs with skipper Kane Williamson scoring the highest runs. Williamson slammed a brilliant half-century to put up a decent fight but failed to find any partner at the other end as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Earlier, right-arm leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham in quick succession to put India in a dominating position. Kedar Jadhav too managed to take a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch by Kuldeep Yadav. Pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice to dismiss New Zealand's openers early. Opting to bat, the host lost Martin Guptill and Colin Munro for five and eight runs respectively. Both the players suffered the same fate and were clean bowled by Shami. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson is going strong but requires a partner at the other end to put up a decent target for India. Speaking after winning the toss, Williamson said, "Looks a good surface here and we want to put a score on the board. We know India are a good chasing side but we want to put runs on the board and I'm sure the surface will play the same throughout. Just the one spinner - Mitch Santner is back and also Doug Bracewell is in. It's about balancing the side, seam-bowling all-rounder is needed and that's what Bracewell comes in. I think it will be a fair pitch regardless of whether you're bowling seam, spin or batting. We were good in the SL series but want to keep improving. Looking for a good series to be played in the right spirit." India, on the other hand, recently ended the Australia tour by creating several historic records. Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kohli said, "the bowlers have played a major part in us being a top team than the batsmen really. It's a batsmen's game and the crowd come in to see fours and sixes. I feel that our side is very balanced at the moment with good depth in batting and bowling. Pretty relaxed with where we stand as a team." "It's going to be a competitive series. New Zealand are a good side and they play with the right spirit. They are a side that everyone must look upto in terms of carrying yourself on the field. Mutual respect is always there between us. Our motivation to win games remain the same irrespective of opposition. We're not going to have any incidents," Kohli concluded.

1st ODI: New Zealand all out for 157, Kuldeep Yadav clinches four wickets

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri.&nbsp;

Kuldeep returned with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the drawn fourth Test in Sydney against Australia and the wrist-spinner received huge accolades from the India coach.&nbsp;

"Kuldeep comes into the mix big time now (in the World Cup)," Shastri told 'India Today' TV channel.&nbsp;

"He might be in every Indian XI that plays (in the World Cup) because he has the advantage of a wrist spinner. We might need to choose between the other two finger spinners because wrist spinner now is the priority."&nbsp;

Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant also impressed by scoring 350 runs at an average of 58.33 to emerge as the second leading run-scorer for India during the four-match Test series against Australia. India won the contest 2-1 to clinch their maiden Test series win on Australian soil.&nbsp;

However, the 21-year-old Pant, who scored an unbeaten 159 in Sydney, was not included in the squad for the Australia and New Zealand ODIs.&nbsp;

Shastri said Pant has been given a specific job of learning to finish games, which will be important for India during the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We have asked him to go back because he has been playing non-stop cricket. I think he needs a break for a couple of weeks and then join the India A team," the India coach said.&nbsp;

"He has been asked to do a specific job, to get into the habit of finishing off matches and he will be right there in the mix," he added.&nbsp;

Shastri again slammed the critics for "jabbering away".&nbsp;

"Who cares what people say? Look at the scoreboard, look at the results and rests is history, you can keep jabbering away." he said. 
"I always believed the people who jabber away are in the minority. You don't know the millions of fans that this Indian team has, you outnumber the jabbering crowd." 
Virat Kohli and Co. Will now take on Australia in the three-match one-day series starting in Sydney on Saturday.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri. Kuldeep returned with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the drawn fourth Test in Sydney against Australia and the wrist-spinner received huge accolades from the India coach. "Kuldeep comes into the mix big time now (in the World Cup)," Shastri told 'India Today' TV channel. "He might be in every Indian XI that plays (in the World Cup) because he has the advantage of a wrist spinner. We might need to choose between the other two finger spinners because wrist spinner now is the priority." Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant also impressed by scoring 350 runs at an average of 58.33 to emerge as the second leading run-scorer for India during the four-match Test series against Australia. India won the contest 2-1 to clinch their maiden Test series win on Australian soil. However, the 21-year-old Pant, who scored an unbeaten 159 in Sydney, was not included in the squad for the Australia and New Zealand ODIs. Shastri said Pant has been given a specific job of learning to finish games, which will be important for India during the World Cup. "We have asked him to go back because he has been playing non-stop cricket. I think he needs a break for a couple of weeks and then join the India A team," the India coach said. "He has been asked to do a specific job, to get into the habit of finishing off matches and he will be right there in the mix," he added. Shastri again slammed the critics for "jabbering away". "Who cares what people say? Look at the scoreboard, look at the results and rests is history, you can keep jabbering away." he said. "I always believed the people who jabber away are in the minority. You don't know the millions of fans that this Indian team has, you outnumber the jabbering crowd." Virat Kohli and Co. Will now take on Australia in the three-match one-day series starting in Sydney on Saturday.

Kuldeep Yadav comes into World Cup mix big time: Ravi Shastri

In pictures: Virat's India breaks 71-year Test series jinx in Australia

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday.

The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth.

If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.

Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth.

First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

"It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test."

Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket.

In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped.

"We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine.

Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc

India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG)

TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia.

India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney on Thursday. The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth. If India, the world's top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will clinch a first-ever series victory in Australia. Mayank Agarwal opens the batting with KL Rahul, with Hanuma Vihari dropping down to number six to cover for Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable after his wife gave birth. First-choice spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was declared not fit, with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the side to play alongside finger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja. "It will be tougher to bat as the game goes on, so ideal for us to bat," said Kohli. "We haven't discussed the series win, we're focused on this game, and this is just an opportunity to win a Test." Australia axed underperforming opener Aaron Finch with Usman Khawaja moved up from number three and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb recalled to counter what is expected to be a turning Sydney Cricket Ground wicket. In a surprise, leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has been called into the side and will bat at three. Mitch Marsh was also dropped. "We need to improve on all areas, need to do the basics better. Ball-by-ball, bit of an old-school cliche," said Australia skipper Tim Paine. Australia: Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Tim Paine (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Ian Gould (ENG) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Ind vs Aus, 4th Test: India win toss, bat in fourth Australia Test

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=babar+azam">Babar Azam</a>, who recently broke <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78.

In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings.

Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4.&nbsp;

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Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Rankings! 
 
Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. 
 
Details ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU">https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU</a> <a href="https://t.co/w7hBdc4BmW">pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW</a>
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Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25.&nbsp;

If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points.

Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.&nbsp;

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday.

Babar Azam, who recently broke Virat Kohli's international record to became the fastest Indian to score 1000 runs in T20I, clung on to the top spot among batsmen in T20I rankings released on Monday. Pakistan opener Babar Azam scored 7, 40 and 79 against New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match series. For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shaheen Afridi made massive gains of 20 spots and 41 spots respectively. Hafeez rose to No.59, while Afridi rose to No.78. In bowling rankings, India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who played a key role in India's series win over West Indies, leapfrogged 14 places to a career-high 23rd in the latest ICC T20 rankings. Yadav picked up five wickets in two matches at an economy-rate of 5.6 in India's home series 3-0 win over the current T20 champions. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah also made gains. Kumar climbed nine places to No.19, Bumrah rose five spots to No.21 while Yuzvendra Chahal retained his place at No.4. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Hafeez make big gains in latest @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Rankings! Yadav jumps 14 places to a career-high No.23 in the bowlers' rankings. Hafeez vaults 16 places to No.53 among batsmen. Details ⬇️https://t.co/Bkf8sDlQuU pic.twitter.com/w7hBdc4BmW — ICC (@ICC) November 12, 2018 × Pakistan and India retained their first and second place in the team rankings, collecting two and three points respectively. Pakistan moved to 138 points while India have 127 points. Meanwhile, Australia will be involved in all four remaining T20Is later this month. They will play South Africa in a one-off match in Carrara on November 17, before taking on India in a three-match series from November 21-25. If Australia win all four matches, then they will rise to second position on 126 points. However, if they lose all four matches, then they will end up in sixth position on 112 points. Similarly, South Africa will gain three points if they win on 17 November, while India will move to 129 points if they win all three matches against Australia.

ICC T20 Rankings: Bowler Kuldeep Yadav reaches career-best, batsman Babar Azam holds on to No.1 spot

West Indies were 295 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on the opening day of second and final Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday.&nbsp;

Windies lost early wickets but Roston Chase, who was batting on 98 at the close of play, salvaged the innings to put the team at a decent position.&nbsp;

Skipper Jason Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, made 52 during a 104-run seventh-wicket stand with Chase.

Chase and Devendra Bishoo, on two, were batting at close of play.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: Male fan invades&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">pitch</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">, tries to kiss Virat Kohli</a>

Chase got to his&nbsp;seventh Test fifty just before tea and is on course for his fourth Test century. His highest Test score of 137 not out came against India in Jamaica in 2016.

After tea, West Indies were&nbsp;197-6 but the second new ball did the trick for India as paceman Umesh Yadav got Holder caught behind on a rising delivery.

India are a bowler short after debutant paceman Shardul Thakur suffered a groin injury in his second over and limped back to the pavilion. He was sent for scans and did not return to field.

Yadav and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each.&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell, who scored 22 runs, as India's first wicket in the 12th over.&nbsp;

India's mystery spinner Yadav took three wickets so far to shatter Windies batting order.

He dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite (14), Shimron Hetmyer (12) and Sunil Ambris (18).

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That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. 
 
Windies bat through a day of Test cricket in India. The reason for the majestic recovery has been down to the fine batting of Roston Chase. He's closing in on another Test century 
 
Windies 295/7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ob7C7AbaLz">pic.twitter.com/Ob7C7AbaLz</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1050703866688344064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Roston Chase is 98 not out at the close of play of day one of the second Test, with Windies 295/7. 
 
Dowrich (30) and Holder (52) also provided useful lower-order contributions. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> SCORECARD ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/E9pqFxL9pX">https://t.co/E9pqFxL9pX</a> <a href="https://t.co/TwsBVkKdrd">pic.twitter.com/TwsBVkKdrd</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1050704407015419905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-consolidates-top-position-in-test-rankings-171094">Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up</a>

India lead the two-match series 1-0.

West Indies were 295 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on the opening day of second and final Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Windies lost early wickets but Roston Chase, who was batting on 98 at the close of play, salvaged the innings to put the team at a decent position.

West Indies were 295 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on the opening day of second and final Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Windies lost early wickets but Roston Chase, who was batting on 98 at the close of play, salvaged the innings to put the team at a decent position. Skipper Jason Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, made 52 during a 104-run seventh-wicket stand with Chase. Chase and Devendra Bishoo, on two, were batting at close of play. Also read: WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: Male fan invades pitch, tries to kiss Virat Kohli Chase got to his seventh Test fifty just before tea and is on course for his fourth Test century. His highest Test score of 137 not out came against India in Jamaica in 2016. After tea, West Indies were 197-6 but the second new ball did the trick for India as paceman Umesh Yadav got Holder caught behind on a rising delivery. India are a bowler short after debutant paceman Shardul Thakur suffered a groin injury in his second over and limped back to the pavilion. He was sent for scans and did not return to field. Yadav and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell, who scored 22 runs, as India's first wicket in the 12th over. India's mystery spinner Yadav took three wickets so far to shatter Windies batting order. He dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite (14), Shimron Hetmyer (12) and Sunil Ambris (18). That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. Windies bat through a day of Test cricket in India. The reason for the majestic recovery has been down to the fine batting of Roston Chase. He's closing in on another Test century Windies 295/7 #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/Ob7C7AbaLz — BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018 × Roston Chase is 98 not out at the close of play of day one of the second Test, with Windies 295/7. Dowrich (30) and Holder (52) also provided useful lower-order contributions. #INDvWI SCORECARD ➡️ https://t.co/E9pqFxL9pX pic.twitter.com/TwsBVkKdrd — ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2018 × Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up India lead the two-match series 1-0.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 1: Roston Chase close to ton, Windies 295-7 at stumps

West Indies were 197 for the loss of six wickets at tea on the opening day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday.&nbsp;

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell, who scored 22 runs, as India's first wicket in the 12th over.&nbsp;

India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets so far to shatter Windies batting order.

He dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite (14), Shimron Hetmyer (12) and Sunil Ambris (18).

Kraigg Brathwaite in the 23rd over. Windies opener Brathwaite contributed 14 runs for the team.&nbsp;

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Roston Chase has reached his half-century, with Windies 197/6. 
 
FOLLOW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> LIVE ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv">https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv</a> <a href="https://t.co/qPHTXdTjbm">pic.twitter.com/qPHTXdTjbm</a>
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Three wickets for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> in the second session. Windies 197/6 at Tea on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa">https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/RGBwb4DpXz">pic.twitter.com/RGBwb4DpXz</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1050668551290253312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-to-bat-first-against-india-in-second-test-170995">won the toss</a> and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test.

Shimron Hetmyer, who was batting at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-day-1-west-indies-were-86-3-at-lunch-171038">lunch break</a> on 10, lost his wicket immediately after the game resumed after scoring 12 runs.&nbsp;

Roston Chase was batting on 50. Earlier Chase put together a gritty 69-run sixth-wicket stand with Shane Dowrich, who made 30.

Skipper Jason Holder, on 10, was batting alongside Chase. Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, comes in for fast bowler Keemo Paul.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets while paceman Umesh Yadav took two.&nbsp;

Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test.

India lead the two-match series 1-0.

West Indies were 197 for the loss of six wickets at tea on the opening day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell, who scored 22 runs, as India's first wicket in the 12th over.

West Indies were 197 for the loss of six wickets at tea on the opening day of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on Friday. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Kieran Powell, who scored 22 runs, as India's first wicket in the 12th over. India's mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets so far to shatter Windies batting order. He dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite (14), Shimron Hetmyer (12) and Sunil Ambris (18). Kraigg Brathwaite in the 23rd over. Windies opener Brathwaite contributed 14 runs for the team. Roston Chase has reached his half-century, with Windies 197/6. FOLLOW #INDvWI LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/E9pqFy2Khv pic.twitter.com/qPHTXdTjbm — ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2018 × Three wickets for #TeamIndia in the second session. Windies 197/6 at Tea on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. Updates - https://t.co/U21NN9DHPa #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/RGBwb4DpXz — BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018 × Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test. Shimron Hetmyer, who was batting at the lunch break on 10, lost his wicket immediately after the game resumed after scoring 12 runs. Roston Chase was batting on 50. Earlier Chase put together a gritty 69-run sixth-wicket stand with Shane Dowrich, who made 30. Skipper Jason Holder, on 10, was batting alongside Chase. Holder, who missed the team's opening loss due to an ankle injury, comes in for fast bowler Keemo Paul. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets while paceman Umesh Yadav took two. Earlier, West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat against India in the second and final Test. India lead the two-match series 1-0.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 1: West are Indies 197-6 at tea

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