Kolkata Knight Riders are often accused of playing with the career of Kuldeep Yadav. The top India spinner was left sulking, and his nightmare finally ended when Delhi Capitals bought him.
Dinesh Karthik was the KKR captain when Kuldeep went through the most challenging time, and the veteran wicketkeeper played a part in making Kuldeep feel uncomfortable.
Karthik recently opened up on his tough conversations with the world-class spinner. Speaking to Ravichandran Ashwin, Karthik admitted that he didn’t treat Kuldeep properly.
Ashwin asked him about the difference between leading a franchise and captaining a team in another competition. Karthik has led domestic cricket in Tamil Nadu for years.
“Leading a franchise is altogether a different job. There are many other cultures, and you will find it challenging to deal with other individuals. You can be very honest with them. As a leader, you will lose out on certain friendships.
“During my time as KKR captain, Kuldeep (Yadav) was not doing as well as he is right now. There were tough conversations with him, and I don’t think he would have appreciated me at that stage. I have to be tough with him.
“I am really happy where he is today. It has nothing to do with me. He has become a better bowler and a world-beater. The tracks at Eden Gardens were flat, and you needed to get above 200 runs to compete in those three to four years.
“It was a hard time for Kuldeep. I think those tough times have made him a better bowler today. My bad luck is that I have to be a part of that bad phase in his life.
“I hope he understands what I did. I don’t want him to appreciate it and be ok with it. You have to take decisions for the team and there was nothing personal,” he said.
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