Kuldeep Yadav rooting for France to win FIFA World Cup 2018 final against Croatia

Young Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav is proving to be an enigma for batsmen from around the world. (INDIA vs ENGLAND 2nd ODI LIVE UPDATES)

Currently part of India’s tour to England, Kuldeep recorded the best-ever figures by a left-arm spinner in 50-Over cricket when he claimed 6/25 to fashion India’s eight-wicket win over the hosts in the opening ODI at Nottingham on Thursday.

Ahead of his team’s second match in the three-match series at Lord’s on Saturday, though, cricket is not the only thing that is keeping the youngster’s mind occupied.

As it turns out, the Uttar-Pradesh born cricketer is an ardent football fan and taking as much interest in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia as in his own performance in the ODI series.

A Brazil fan, Kuldeep is now rooting for France against Croatia in the final that would be played in Moscow on Sunday.

“Before the World Cup started, I was supporting Brazil. But they were knocked out by a good side – Belgium. Now the final is between Croatia and France. I think France is going to lift the cup,” the 23-year-old said in an interview with teammate KL Rahul.

The BCCI posted the video featuring Kuldeep’s interaction with Rahul on its official Twitter handle.

The Chinaman tweaker also expressed satisfaction over his performance in the first ODI and credited his coach Kapil Pande for his success. He was all praise for India captain Virat Kohli and former captain MS Dhoni too thanking the duo for all the support.

“I am very happy with my performance. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The credit for my success goes to my coach Kapil Pande who is in India. I have been working with him a lot.

“Virat bhai and Mahi bhai have supported me well. Our team has a great culture,” he said.