Kuldeep Yadav Reflects on the Impact of Shane Warne's Passing

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav felt the death of Australian legend Shane Warne deeply, likening it to losing a family member. Yadav, on a trip to Australia, visited Melbourne Cricket Ground and Warne's statue. He discussed his anticipation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and praised Indian cricket fans' support worldwide.

Indian wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has shared that the death of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne two years ago felt like the loss of a family member. Yadav believed there was a strong connection between him and Warne.

During a short family trip in Australia, Yadav visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the home ground of his idol Warne. He posed for a photograph with Warne's statue outside the stadium.

'Shane Warne was my idol, and I had a very strong connection with him. I still get emotional when I think about Warnie -- it feels like I've lost someone from my family,' Yadav said. He did not elaborate further on his relationship with Warne, who passed away from cardiac arrest in 2022 while on vacation in Thailand.

The T20 World Cup-winning cricketer's trip to Australia comes just a few months before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth. 'I am looking forward to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We're anticipating a great cricket contest between Australia and India this year,' Yadav added.

Yadav, who has made a strong comeback from a knee injury, also visited the Cricket Australia (CA) headquarters and had an online interaction with CEO Nick Hockley. He acknowledged the unwavering support of Indian cricket fans worldwide, expressing confidence that they would attend in large numbers for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly during the Boxing Day Test at MCG from December 26.

(With inputs from agencies.)