India vs New Zealand | Kuldeep Yadav seen practicing with wet ball in Delhi

Dew has always been a big problem for Indian teams while playing at home during the period from October to January, since during this time, no matter how big the score, all of it becomes chase-able owing to the fact that bowlers find it extremely difficult to grip the ball. On the eve of the opener of India vs New Zealand three-match T20I series in New Delhi, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was seen practising with the wet ball to counter the same.

Kuldeep was seen soaking the white cherry in mineral water after every second delivery during the optional net session. This strategy was put forth by bowling coach Bharat Arun. 

It has been done keeping in mind that Kuldeep will learn to control the ball better while practising with the wet ball, as it turns into a slippery bar of soap after gripping. The wet ball makes it easier for the batsmen to score since it skids off the pitch. Moreover, for a wrist spinner, the grip becomes most important as there are more chances of a wet ball slipping out of the hand.

At the nets, Kuldeep primarily bowled to Dinesh Karthik but the batsman was seen negotiating the deliveries easily. Also, he asked scribes about the time in the evening when the dew factor sets in. Previously, India paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar had also been seen adopting the same strategy as well, in order to prepare himself for death bowling.

Further, rookie Shreyas Iyer was hit on the right forearm by a throw-down from support staff member Raghavendra. Iyer seemed to be suffering and wasn't present any further in the nets after that.