Indian cricket star Kuldeep Yadav has opened up about his lesser-known love for football, particularly his admiration for Manchester United. In a conversation with Indian teammate Ravichandran Ashwin on Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Kuldeep Yadav revealed a surprising interaction with football legend David Beckham during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
A Starstruck Yadav Meets Beckham
While Beckham’s presence at the World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand garnered significant attention, a brief interaction with Kuldeep Yadav offered a glimpse into the cricketer’s unexpected passion for football. “I met him after the game (2023 WC against SL) and told him that I used to watch Manchester United because of Paul Scholes,” Yadav confessed, admitting to being a tad starstruck.
Kuldeep Yadav’s revelation about his football fandom is a surprising one for cricket fans accustomed to seeing him spin his magic on the cricket pitch. However, his admiration for Scholes sheds light on a hidden aspect of his sporting journey. Kuldeep Yadav’s candidness about perhaps being “too direct” while expressing his fandom adds a touch of humour to the encounter.
From Wasim Akram to Spin Bowling: A Change in Trajectory
The conversation between Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav also delved into the southpaw’s early cricketing inspirations. The Indian spinner revealed that witnessing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram during the 2003 World Cup initially sparked his desire to become a fast bowler. “I watched Wasim Akram during the 2003 World Cup and I admired him so much that I wanted to be a left-arm fast bowler,” Kuldeep shared.
Interestingly, fate (and perhaps his height) had other plans. “But then once my coach Kapil Pandey asked me what my father’s height was,” Yadav continued. “He then realized that maybe since my father was short I also may not become quite tall so instead of fast bowling, I changed into being a spinner.”
Beyond the Pitch: A Manager in the Making?
The conversation also hinted at Kuldeep’s potential future aspirations beyond the cricket field. He expressed his desire to explore a career in football management after his playing days were over. “I told [Beckham] that after I finish my career I probably want to try being a football manager,” Kuldeep Yadav revealed, showcasing his ambition and interest in the beautiful game.
Kuldeep Yadav’s unexpected football fandom and his conversation with David Beckham offer a unique perspective on the cricketer’s personality and interests. It highlights the broad spectrum of sporting passions that can inspire players across different disciplines.
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