Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has lauded Kuldeep Yadav following his heroics with the bat in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday September 28th. The cricketer turned commentator credited Kuldeep Yadav for coming out all guns blazing and becoming the leading wicket-taker in the tournament despite warming the bench throughout the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s statement came after Kuldeep bagged 4/30 to help India bundle out Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs in the all important summit clash. The ace spinner finished the T20 tournament with 17 wickets in 7 matches. None of the other bowlers barring Shaheen Afridi bagged 10 or more wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 edition.
Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking on the Post Show at Sony Sports Network, Sanjay Manjrekar said: “Yes, it’s a bit like intermittent fasting. When you come back, come back very, very aggressive and ready for the challenge. I mean, he’s incredible.”
Ravi Shastri and Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Varun Chakaravarthy
Meanwhile, former India head coach and now renowned cricket commentator Ravi Shastri credited Varun Chakaravarthy for showing the way by breaking the 84-run opening stand. The 63-year-old lauded the World No.1 ranked T20I bowler for his wicket-taking ability.
In the same show, Ravi Shastri said: “That’s his role because I see he’s coming in, he makes a massive difference. If the ball is gripping like it did a little today, forget scoring off him. He’s bound to give you wickets. If he goes for 25-30 runs, guaranteed two wickets.”
Sanjay Manjrekar further pointed out the tactical genius of Varun. Continuing from where Shastri finished, the 60-year-old said: “And the key is that he pitches the ball in a spot where you can actually hit it for a six. But he has this confidence that it’s not easy to hit it from that spot. It’s not like he’s a big turner but… He sort of challenges you. You never see him bowl short.”
Ravi Shastri Praises Kuldeep Yadav’s maturity
Ravi Shastri was also impressed by Kuldeep Yadav for his mature bowling display, especially on his comeback after being taken to cleaners in his first two overs. Speaking on the same show, the former coach said: “Yes, toss the ball to Kuldeep when things are not going your way. And where he’s improved a lot in his temperament scenarios. He’s got a big heart. He wants to bounce back and look for wickets. He knows when to go for wickets and when just look to contain. The maturity shows his adjustment of line and length as well.”
For the record, Kuldeep Yadav finished with figures of 4/30 despite conceding 23 runs in his first two overs without getting a wicket in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Later, India won the match by five wickets to bag their 9th title, all thanks to a gutsy knock from Tilak Varma who made an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls.
It remains to be seen how these two wrist spinners shape up as they are wicket-taking options in the middle overs for India especially in spin friendly conditions. Kuldeep has had a tournament to remember while Varun did his bit and played his part as well. There are areas to work on for both to improve further, but they are on the right track and determined to do well in the coming games. India’s next test will be in Australia for a 5-match T20I series in October/November.
In Australia, they will be tested and may have to play a different combination as Australia won’t produced turning tracks for India. It will be good batting surfaces that will be dished out. We shall see how things unfold for all teams as cricketing action is set to go over the roof in the coming days. Some exciting cricketing action shall come our way.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-Wicket Haul Skittles Pakistan Out For 146