'When I retire...': Kuldeep Yadav reveals a 'big thing' after 5-wicket haul against Pakistan

Star India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was elated after picking up a five-wicket haul in the winning course against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4s match in Colombo. Yadav revealed that minor changes to his technique, such as a straighter run-up and an aggressive rhythm, have helped him improve his bowling and achieve success in ODIs.

"After the (knee) surgery (last year), my run-up has become much straighter, and the rhythm has become aggressive. My hand used to fall over but that has been controlled and now it (hand) is facing the batsman," Kuldeep said in the post-match press conference.

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Kuldeep stated that he worked on spin and drift to improve his efficiency after his surgery.

"I exerted care not to lose my spin and drift without losing my pace. If a leg-spinner lands the ball on a good length, he can pick up wickets more regularly and loose balls can be reduced. You can be consistent," he added.

Kuldeep added that after his surgery, he worked with NCA physio Ashish Koushik to reduce the strain on his knee when landing in the crease.

"I did not want to lose my zip, nip or drift. After surgery I went for a three-month recuperation at NCA and physio Ashish Koushik said I had to reduce the load on my knee. So, I worked to make my rhythm faster," he said.

However, Kuldeep admitted that it took him some time to get the revamped action to work at the highest level of cricket.

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"I tried the new action in a practice game in Kanpur. The batsmen were struggling to face me. But even in the IPL and during the tour of the West Indies I was struggling with it (action). It took some 6-7 matches for me to make work at this level," said Kuldeep.

His (5/25) five-wicket haul helped India defeat Pakistan by a massive 228-run margin, and Kuldeep said he will remember this performance because it came against top opposition.

"I will always remember that I picked up five wickets against Pakistan when I retire. It is a big thing for me because Pakistan players can play spin well. If you perform against a side that plays spin well in the subcontinent, it motivates you," Kuldeep signed off.