ICC World Cup 2019 | I am sure we will win the title in England, says Kuldeep Yadav

Having become an integral part of India’s limited-overs squads since the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Kuldeep Yadav has been clinical whenever given a chance and currently sits at the number seven spot in the ICC ODI bowler rankings. His partner in crime, Yuzvendra Chahal, sits a spot below on number eight and the two have taken 75 scalps in the 18 ODIs in which they have played without a third spinner, with a strike rate of 26, the best for any duo of Indian bowlers since at least 2017.

"We[Chahal and I] understand and back each other on the field. We have a great bind on and off the field. In ODIs, the middle overs are very crucial, so we try to take as many wickets in the middle overs and control the flow of runs for our team. That's what Chahal and I have been doing and will continue to do in the World Cup," he said, TOI reported.

However, they have had a disappointing year in national colours so far, not faring well against the visiting Australians in a series defeat, with their variations being picked relatively easily by them. However, Yadav remains unfettered.

"Sometimes we [Chahal and I] fail, but we learn and move on. The way we both are playing, I am sure we together can do the job for India at the World Cup," he stated, with the pair having taken 20 wickets combined in the recently concluded IPL.

If the warm-up match against New Zealand was anything to go by, where India succumbed to an embarrassing defeat, they are in for a tough time in the quadrennial tournament but Yadav seems to disagree.

"Definitely, the way the team is performing under Kohli, I am sure we will win the title in England," he said with his characteristic confidence.

As for himself, when asked about his condition before the tournament, the spinner seemed to be satisfied with his preparation.

"We have been playing a lot of cricket. I played the IPL and wanted to remain physically and mentally fit for the World Cup. I have practiced hard and worked on my variations. I am excited and want to do well for India at the World Cup," he remarked.

Last time India had lifted the coveted trophy, MS Dhoni was the one making the calls as he had led the country to it's first World Cup in 28 years.

"I would say when in doubt, reach out to Dhoni. He has a solution for every problem. Everyone looks up to . When I bowl, I find it difficult to set the field sometimes. I look at Mahi bhai and he understands immediately that I need his help. He comes up to me and helps me. It's not just me, he helps every bowler in the team," Yadav added.

However, since then the leadership role has been handed over to his successor Virat Kohli, whose aggressive nature has been the perfect complement for Dhoni's calm self.

"Kohli and Dhoni are the backbone of our team. Dhoni gives us freedom and Kohli boosts our confidence," Yadav concluded.