Kanpur: Kashi Rudras' ambidextrous spinner Vijay Yadav believes the UP T20 League has given him the platform to showcase his unusual skillset and move closer to his dream of playing in the IPL.The 24-year-old has taken 12 wickets in 10 matches in the ongoing tournament and has become one of the players attracting attention for his ability to bowl with both his right and left arms. Kashi Rudras are set to face Meerut Mavericks in Qualifier 1 on September 3.Yadav said the UP T20 League has become an important pathway for talented players from Uttar Pradesh, with IPL scouts also watching the competition. He believes strong performances in the tournament can open the door to higher-level cricket.

From right-arm spinner to ambidextrous bowler

Yadav initially started as a right-arm off-spinner. He gradually began experimenting with his left arm after noticing that right-handed batters could attack conventional off-spin effectively.With encouragement from his coaches, he continued practising with his left hand and eventually developed enough control to use both arms in competitive cricket. Yadav has described the ability as an advantage but also acknowledged that it requires considerably more work than conventional one-arm bowling.His unusual skill gives him another tactical option against different batters, particularly in a format where bowlers are constantly looking for ways to disrupt aggressive batting.

Virat Kohli is his main cricketing idol

Yadav named Virat Kohli as his biggest cricketing inspiration, pointing to the former India captain's dedication, aggression and intensity on the field.He said Kohli's approach to both batting and fielding motivates him and gives him lessons to take into his own game.Yadav also expressed admiration for Ravichandran Ashwin, particularly his control, variations and ability to create problems for batters even from a conventional right-arm off-spin position.Ashwin's carrom ball and other variations have also influenced Yadav's thinking about spin bowling.

Karan Sharma's support

Yadav credited Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma for supporting the bowlers and discussing field placements and bowling plans with them during matches.Sharma has also been among the leading performers for Kashi Rudras this season, with 355 runs in 10 matches, including a century and three fifties, according to the latest tournament report.The official UP T20 League team listing identifies Sharma as Kashi Rudras' captain and Yadav as part of the team's all-rounder group.

IPL dream next

Yadav's immediate ambition is to use the UP T20 League as a launchpad for the IPL. A recent interview reported that he is targeting an IPL opportunity within the next one to two years and is working on all three departments — bowling, batting and fielding.He has also previously attended IPL trials, including with Mumbai Indians, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have reportedly called him for a trial as well.For now, the focus is on Kashi Rudras' playoff campaign. His ability to switch between right- and left-arm spin could give the side an additional tactical weapon as it looks to progress further in the fourth season of the UP T20 League.