India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was delighted after the hosts defeated England by an innings and 64 runs to win the fifth Test match at Dharamsala and with it, claim the five-match Test series by 4-1. Yadav returned with figures of 5-72 in the first innings and played a key role in skittling out the opposition at 218.

The left-arm wrist spinner accounted for Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow. Furthermore, Yadav picked up two wickets in the second innings as he bagged 2-40. Thus, Yadav scalped a total of seven wickets in the match and was awarded Player of the Match for his fine performance.

Moreover, Yadav scored a vital knock of 30 runs in the first innings. The wrist spinner has been in fine form and breathed down the neck of the English batters throughout the series.

Kuldeep Yadav said in the post-match presentation when asked if this was the best he ever bowled in a series, “Yes. It is the hard work I did in the last couple of years and I am getting the reward. I really bowled well in Ranchi, the wicket was slow and the way I used the drift over there was fantastic. I liked the Stokes wicket in Ranchi and also like the Crawley wicket, that was a beautiful ball.”

He added, “I just focus on keeping it on a good length and that is very important for a spinner in a format and not thinking too much about what the batter is trying to do. I really liked my rhythm. Credit goes to batting coach, he helped me a lot. Not just the skill aspect, but also the mental aspect. Always backing me in the net sessions.”

Yadav snared 19 wickets in the four Test matches of the series at an impressive average of 20.19. The wrist spinner has been bowling in the right areas to reap rewards and delivered for the Rohit Sharma-led team.

Kuldeep will now be seen in action while playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.