Sitting out most of a World Cup isn’t easy, especially when you’re part of a winning team. For Kuldeep Yadav, the 2026 T20 World Cup was a mix of pride and patience.
India created history by winning their third T20 World Cup title in 2026 but Kuldeep played just one match out of eight. Spending 7 games on the bench could have easily led to frustration or self-doubt. But instead of letting it affect him, Kuldeep focused on something he could control, his preparation.

Speaking before Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians clash in New Delhi, Kuldeep Yadav shared how he stayed mentally strong. He emphasised that when you’re not playing, preparation becomes even more important.
He made sure to stay fully involved in training sessions, treating every practice like a real match. According to him, being around the team, attending practice regularly and maintaining a “match-ready” mindset is key, even if you’re not in the playing XI.
Kuldeep Yadav believes that confidence doesn’t just appear, it comes from consistent preparation. If your routines are strong and you’re putting in the work, confidence follows naturally, even though some nervousness always remains.
He also spoke about the importance of planning against batters. Whether it’s understanding where a batter likes to score or figuring out their approach, preparation plays a big role. Facing new batters can be challenging but solid planning helps build confidence.

Kuldeep Yadav has carried this mindset into the IPL 2026, where he is playing for Delhi Capitals. In a format like T20 which heavily favors batters, bowlers often struggle. But Kuldeep has continued to stand out as one of the most skilful left-arm wrist-spinners in the game.
Now 31, he remains committed to his attacking style of bowling. He believes that spinners should never abandon their strengths, even when under pressure. According to him, many bowlers tend to look for safer options when batters attack but that can take away their identity.
Kuldeep Yadav strongly advises young spinners to stay fearless. He accepts that in T20 cricket, getting hit for runs is normal. Scores of 40-45 runs in four overs can happen, especially on good batting pitches or against aggressive players, but that shouldn’t change a bowler’s mindset. He stressed that having an attacking approach is crucial. Whether the ground is small or the situation is tough, a spinner must be ready to fight and handle pressure.
Looking ahead, Delhi Capitals are preparing to face a strong Mumbai Indians side in their first home match. DC had a rough start to the season, suffering an early collapse in their opening game. Players like KL Rahul were dismissed for a duck, while Pathum Nissanka and Nitish Rana also failed to make an impact. However, Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs helped the team recover.

Despite the shaky start, Kuldeep Yadav is not worried. He believes one bad game doesn’t define a team, especially in a long tournament like the IPL. According to him, experienced players like Nitish Rana and Pathum Nissanka have the ability to bounce back.
Kuldeep also acknowledged the challenge ahead against Mumbai Indians, who have a powerful batting lineup featuring stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma. His plan is simple – execute well and pick early wickets.
For Kuldeep Yadav, whether it’s waiting on the bench or leading the bowling attack, the mindset remains the same – stay ready, stay confident and never stop attacking.
The post “When You Are Not Playing….,” Kuldeep Yadav Reveals How He Stayed Focused Without Playing appeared first on RVCJ Media.
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