India’s spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav delivered a breakthrough moment in the 1st Test against South Africa, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 11 runs on Day 2 at Eden Gardens. The left-arm wrist-spinner’s deceptive flipper caught Rickelton off-guard, tilting the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
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The Wicket That Changed Everything
Playing just 40 balls into South Africa’s second innings, Kuldeep struck with a brilliant flipper that pitched on middle stump and went straight through without turning. Rickelton, expecting the ball to spin, played for turn while positioned deep in his crease, only to be beaten comprehensively and trapped LBW.
The delivery showcased Kuldeep’s mastery of variations—a skill that makes him lethal in Indian conditions. Released from the side of his hand at 85 km/h, the flipper almost picked up pace after pitching, leaving Rickelton with no chance of adjusting his defense.
Key Stats from the Dismissal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Ryan Rickelton |
| Score | 11 runs (23 balls, 1×4) |
| Bowler | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Delivery Type | Flipper |
| Mode of Dismissal | LBW |
| Speed | 85 km/h |
| Match Situation | Day 2, Tea Break |
Kuldeep’s Impact Across Both Innings
The chinaman bowler finished with impressive figures of 2/36 in South Africa’s first innings, having earlier trapped Wiaan Mulder (24) LBW with a reverse-sweep gone wrong. His ability to extract bounce and create doubts in batsmen’s minds proved crucial as India bundled out South Africa for just 159 runs on Day 1.
Explore more about India’s spin bowling dominance in home Tests.
Bumrah-Kuldeep Partnership Dominates
While Jasprit Bumrah stole headlines with his sensational 5/27—becoming the first Indian pacer since Ishant Sharma in 2019 to take a five-wicket haul on opening day in India, Kuldeep’s supporting role cannot be understated. The pace-spin combination dismantled South Africa’s batting order systematically.
After Bumrah removed both openers Aiden Markram (31) and Ryan Rickelton in the first innings, Kuldeep trapped captain Temba Bavuma to compound South Africa’s troubles.
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What This Means for the Series
Kuldeep’s performance confirms India’s strategic decision to field four spinners at Eden Gardens. The pitch offered variable bounce and turn from Day 1, vindicating the team management’s bold selection of accommodating both Kuldeep and all-rounder Axar Patel.
As South Africa struggles to trust the surface, India’s spinners—led by Kuldeep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel—are poised to dominate the remainder of this Test match.
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The road ahead looks challenging for the reigning World Test Champions, with India firmly in command after restricting South Africa twice in succession. Kuldeep’s wicket of Rickelton might have been brief, but its timing and execution epitomized why he remains indispensable in India’s Test setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many wickets has Kuldeep Yadav taken in the 1st Test against South Africa?
A: Kuldeep Yadav has taken 3 wickets so far in the match—2 wickets for 36 runs in South Africa’s first innings (Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma) and dismissed Ryan Rickelton for 11 runs in the second innings with his deceptive flipper delivery. His variations have been crucial in India’s dominant bowling performance.
Q: What is a flipper delivery in cricket and why is it so effective?
A: A flipper is a deceptive delivery bowled by wrist-spinners that looks like a leg-break but goes straight on without turning. Released from the side or back of the hand, it stays low and skids through faster than expected. Kuldeep’s flipper to Rickelton demonstrated its effectiveness—the batsman played for spin that never came, resulting in an inevitable LBW dismissal.
