Watch: Kuldeep Yadav castles in-form Nicholas Pooran with a ripper during LSG vs DC clash

Kuldeep Yadav’s critical role in the Delhi Capitals lineup was emphatically highlighted during their IPL match against the Lucknow Super Giants. Coming back after a three-game absence due to a groin injury, Yadav wasted no time demonstrating his impact, striking crucial blows in his very first over back on the field.

The match saw Yadav being introduced into the Capitals’ bowling attack during the 8th over. The left-arm wrist spinner’s presence was immediately felt as he dismissed two key LSG batters: Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran. Yadav’s delivery to Pooran was particularly notable, a masterclass of spin bowling that would be envied by any spinner.

Stoinis was the first to fall victim to Yadav's strategic bowling. Anticipating a big hit from the Australian all-rounder, Yadav cleverly delivered the ball wide. Stoinis’ aggressive attempt to clear the boundary resulted in a leading edge, which was adeptly caught by Ishant Sharma at backward point. Following Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, one of LSG’s top performers this season with a strike rate of 168, came to the crease.

Unbeknownst to Pooran, a devastating delivery was heading his way. Yadav served up a perfect googly that landed just outside the off stump. Pooran, failing to read the spin from Yadav’s hand, mistakenly played for the turn, only to see the ball crash into his stumps, sending him back to the pavilion without scoring.

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗣! 🔄 😍

Kuldeep Yadav straight away unveiling his magic!👌👌

Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #LSGvDC | @imkuldeep18 pic.twitter.com/pzfIQYpqnA

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2024

The dismissal of Pooran was so impactful that it damaged the stumps, requiring a pause in play to address the equipment damage. Yet, Yadav was not finished showcasing his skills. He nearly claimed the wicket of LSG captain KL Rahul in the same over, but the ball was adjudged to have pitched outside the line. Undeterred, Yadav continued his assault in his subsequent over, delivering a flatter ball that turned away from Rahul. The LSG captain, attempting an aggressive shot, managed only an under edge, which was pouched safely by captain Rishabh Pant.

The on-field umpire initially gave it not out, but Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals captain, was prompt to challenge the decision and it was eventually overturned in DC's favour.

IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant argues with umpire after wide review against LSG; replays show it was right call