Shane Warne's Wisdom Fuels Kuldeep Yadav's Aggressive Bowling Comeback

Kuldeep Yadav’s return to international cricket in India's Asia Cup opener against the UAE was more than just about numbers on the scoreboard. His spell of 4 for 7 in just 2.1 overs didn’t only dismantle the opposition, it was a statement to the India selectors, which even reflected the aggressive, wicket-hunting bowler he has grown into over the past few years.

That aggression, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes, stems from a special bond Kuldeep shared with Shane Warne. Speaking to the broadcasters after the match, Uthappa recalled how a conversation with the Australian legend transformed Kuldeep's mindset and approach to spin bowling.

India vs UAE Highlights: Asia Cup | Full scorecard

“Don’t go by his size. Kuldeep is a proper aggressive bowler. He means business all the time. He’s always looking for wickets, always hunting. His mindset is aggressive, and that makes him so dangerous,” Uthappa said.

“I remember him talking about his interaction with Shane Warne. The conversations were all about the mindset and the aggressive nature a spin bowler should have. Ever since then, it was like a switch flipped in his head. He’s been aggressive, always looking for wickets, and bowling with so much control over the last three or four years. You want someone like him getting opportunities in every format.”

That very aggression was on display in Dubai. Overlooked for India’s Test series in England and sidelined for nearly two months, Kuldeep returned with fire, ripping through UAE’s middle order. Introduced after the powerplay, he claimed three wickets in his very first over before wrapping up the innings at 58, setting up India’s fastest-ever T20I chase in just 4.3 overs.

When Kuldeep met Warne

Kuldeep himself has often spoken about how deeply Warne influenced his career. Their bond began during India's 2019 tour of Australia, when the spin great mentored him daily before the Sydney Test. After Kuldeep’s maiden five-wicket haul in that match, he dedicated the performance to Warne, who was moved to tears. Kuldeep would later recall how visiting Warne’s house and learning from him up close shaped his own ambitions.

“He helped me a lot during the Australia tour (2018-2019). I was a little nervous before the match. I used to meet him in the morning. He came to me and said, 'I don’t know what you are going to bowl, but I want you to be happy on the ground. I will be watching you from the pavilion. It doesn’t matter how you bowl. Just do it with a smile'." Kuldeep said on an episode of Breakfast with Champions YouTube show.

“So, I remembered this. And I was doing the same thing on the ground. I did not feel the pressure in that match. And when I took five wickets, I dedicated it to him. He had tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe it. So, he has influenced my life a lot," he added.

Kuldeep's slump and comeback

The journey, though, wasn’t without turbulence. From 2019 to 2021, Kuldeep endured a painful dip in form, even losing his place in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ XI. But his resurgence with Delhi Capitals in 2022, powered by fitness work and sharper variations, reignited his career. That revival peaked with India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, where he finished as the side’s standout spinner. He even thrived in red-ball cricket, snaring 19 wickets in four Tests against England at home.

Snubbed again during the England tour in 2025, Kuldeep bided his time — only to announce his return in emphatic fashion in Dubai. For a bowler who once found guidance in Shane Warne’s words, this comeback was more than just a spell. It was proof of a mindset shift that turned potential into sustained brilliance.