India's ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav is exuding confidence ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England and wants to win the trophy for the senior most and perhaps most loved person in the dressing room -- Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Speaking exclusively to IndiaTV's Samip Rajguru, the Kanpur born mystery spinner said that MS Dhoni's contribution towards Indian cricket and the youngsters is great and he wants the World Cup, which could well be Dhoni's last, go well for him.
"Mahi Bhai...he stays behind the stumps and helps us and lets us know the small things. It is because he has played so much cricket in 15-20 years and it is a great opportunity for us to play a World Cup and maybe his last World Cup...so we want it to go well for him," Kuldeep said.
The chinaman bowler also heaped praise on captain Virat Kohli and said that the faith he shows on the spinners is a huge motivation.
"You need a captain like Virat who gives you freedom. For a spinner, a youngster...the belief of the captain is necessary and full freedom to express himself. Whatever he says in the media about taking wickets and doesn't matter if you give 70-80 runs...so, it motivates any spinner and youngster that my captain believes in me," Kuldeep said.
The 24-year-old has had a mixed year or so. While he has become a regular in the limited-overs India team, IPL 2019 didn't go particularly well for him. But, he is expected to lead India's charge in the World Cup and says that nothing has changed for him.
"I think the more I stick to my basics, the longer I can play. So, I am working on my basics.
Nothing has changed for me. I am the same person and I come here and practice with Sir because he knows me really well and he knows what I am doing with my bowling," Kuldeep said.
When asked about any batsman he would like to be wary about, he said: "We are playing a game against every team and that is the biggest advantage in this World Cup. I don't think there is any particular player whom I will struggle against. But, in the Australian team, there are a few players as we have played so much cricket against them. So, they know how it is coming. Like in the last series Usman Khawaja played really well in India but the wickets were really slow here but I think the wickets in England will be a tad faster. So, I feel I will have a little advantage there.
"Joe Root played really well last time but my planning has change now. Be it him or anybody else, I don't think I will struggle against him and I don't want to put more pressure on myself. England's team is good and Jos Buttler is playing in the IPL. So, yes...bowling in England and in their conditions, it could be a bit challenging."
The wrist-spinner is also looking forward to playing with his partner in crime Yuzvendra Chahal and said that it is the understanding between the two that is makes them click.
"When we play together, we have fun because we understand each other really well and there are no ego clashes. It is important. We want to do well for the team and we try to take 3-5 wickets in the middle-overs in ODIs and if we do that, it becomes easy for the team in the end.
Looking forward to it because last time I played against them, I did well and we have never lost to them in a World Cup...so, there is a lot of excitement," Kuldeep signed off.
