Kuldeep's Magic Ball Leaves Stubbs Stunned
Tristan Stubbs, the South African batter, shared his experience of facing Kuldeep Yadav during a recent Test match, highlighting a remarkable delivery that led to his dismissal. Stubbs, who is part of the Delhi Capitals team along with Kuldeep, admitted that he was completely taken by surprise by the spinner's skill. Despite having faced Kuldeep multiple times in practice, the first ball of his new spell proved to be a game-changer.
In the match, Stubbs was on the verge of reaching fifty when Kuldeep bowled a delivery that drifted unexpectedly after pitching. Stubbs, who had previously hit Kuldeep for sixes, found himself moving his hands towards the ball without any foot movement, resulting in a catch for KL Rahul at first slip. “It was just the drift and my hands sort of following it,” he explained, giving full credit to Kuldeep for his clever bowling.
This delivery stood out for Stubbs, who called it the best ball he had faced from Kuldeep. He discussed the importance of anticipating how a bowler might get you out, especially on a good wicket. Kuldeep's ability to use drift and angle effectively caught Stubbs off guard, showcasing the spinner's talent and strategic approach.
Interestingly, Stubbs and Kuldeep share a friendly rivalry, often teasing each other about bowling practice. Kuldeep joked about his limited bowling to Stubbs in the nets, saying he could no longer claim that he doesn’t bowl to him. This light-hearted banter reflects their camaraderie and the competitive spirit within the team.
Stubbs, a specialist middle-order batter, was promoted to No. 3 by head coach Shukri Conrad. He emphasized that this transition required more of a mental adjustment than a technical one. “It’s not the easiest thing moving around, but whatever the coach asks, I’m just happy to be in the team,” he said. He focused on improving his defensive skills, recognizing that a No. 3 batter needs to be cautious, especially on challenging pitches.
Despite the difficulties faced by batters in Kolkata, Stubbs believes that Barsapara offers a better batting surface. He acknowledged the skill of the seamers, who maintained straight lines and targeted the stumps effectively. While he noted that opportunities were missed, he maintained that the team needs to take responsibility for their performance. Stubbs’ insights reflect the challenges and dynamics of modern cricket, emphasizing the blend of skill and mental fortitude required to succeed.
