Don't need to say if I was dependent on MS Dhoni: Kuldeep Yadav

Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was touted as the next big thing in Indian spin during his arrival on the international stage three years ago, has not been able to cement a place in the playing XI in recent times.

Kuldeep had talked a lot about how MS Dhoni guided him from behind the stumps. In an interview to TOI, asked if Dhoni's absence has brought any difference to his game, the 25-year-old told, "Of course. Mahi bhai has always guided me, because the wicketkeeper is always the best judge of the bowler. Someone like Mahi bhai is experienced and has an idea about how a batsman plays. All of this is teamwork. Just because Mahi bhai hasn't played after the World Cup, I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I don't need to say if I was dependent on him. I can just work towards bettering my craft and as I said, it's teamwork."

Kuldeep feels that the ban on using saliva will be difficult for both fast bowlers and spinners. "Not using saliva will be challenging because we have been using it since childhood. It is an instinctive reaction when you get the ball in your hand. Changing that habit will be a challenge."

Asked why he and Yuzvendra Chahal are not played togther after the World Cup, he said, "Wrist spin is not that easy. Chahal and I have bonded well for years. After the World Cup we haven't played together because it depends on the selection and team combination. You've got to be flexible with the team's requirements."