Impressed with Kuldeep Yadav's performances in the ongoing Youth Test series in Sri Lanka, his coach Shashikant Khandekar today said that the young spinner has the potential to realise his dream of representing the Indian team.
The 18-year-old left-arm spinner bowled an outstanding spell against Sri Lanka in the second youth Test, grabbing six wickets in the innings to restrict the host for 212. He also took six wickets in the first Test of the series.
"He has a unique bowling style which is the reason behind his success. If he continues to bowl like this, the day is not far when he will get into the Ranji team and hopefully make it to the national team," said coach Shashikant Khandekar, who is also UPCA's junior selection committe head.
Kuldeep has been a consistent performer for the state under-19 team and under his leadership the team has done tremendoulsy well, winning the last two edition of the Cooch Behar Trophy.
The UPCA has planned a ceremony to felicitate the teenager on returning from Sri Lanka in order to motivate young players in the state.
Kuldeep was part of the Indian U-19 squad that recently toured Australia for a tri-series. The duminitive spinner took eight wickets in four matches for his side's successful campaign Down Under.
"He started getting coaching at the age of 9-10 years. We hope that one day he plays for the national team and do us proud," said father Ram Singh Yadav, who runs a brick kiln here.
Kuldeep's family, which originally hails from Unnao district, shifted here after seeing their son's growing interest in the sport.
"We shifted here as there is better facilities to pursue cricket. He works really hard on his game and has been fortunate to have good coaches. We pray to god that he realises his dreams," he said.
