An ex-cricket star has drawn parallels between an Indian spinner and the legendary Shane Warne, but surprisingly, it's neither Ravichandran Ashwin nor Anil Kumble. This comparison sheds light on the unique attributes of a bowler who, according to the former player, embodies some of the characteristics that made Warne such a formidable force.

While the name of the ex-cricketer making the comparison isn't explicitly stated, the spinner in question is Kuldeep Yadav. The comparison comes from former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg. Hogg noted the differences in approach between overseas leg-spinners and their Australian counterparts, pointing to a quicker arm action and pace through the air as key differentiators. He suggested that these attributes, often seen in spinners like Rashid Khan and Shadab Khan, make them harder to pick for batsmen compared to those with a slower, more deliberate approach like Warne.

Kuldeep Yadav has openly acknowledged Shane Warne as a major influence on his career. He has often spoken of watching videos of Warne to understand the nuances of leg-spin and has said that he still uses Warne as an inspiration.

Warne, who passed away in March 2022, is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, with 708 Test wickets and 293 in ODIs. His impact on the game extended beyond statistics; he revived the art of leg-spin and inspired a generation of slow bowlers.

Several Indian spinners have credited Warne for their success. Yuzvendra Chahal has admitted to learning the art of leg-spin by watching Warne's videos. Piyush Chawla shared an anecdote about how a meeting with Warne, arranged by Yuvraj Singh, boosted his confidence early in his IPL career. These instances highlight the profound influence Warne had on Indian cricket and the respect he garnered from his peers.

The comparison between Kuldeep Yadav and Shane Warne, comes not necessarily from their bowling styles, but rather from the mental aspect of the game and the ability to adapt. Both spinners possess a strong understanding of the game. In Kuldeep's case, it's about his approach to the wicket, with a focus on speed and deception, aligning with Hogg's observation of successful overseas leg-spinners.

Ultimately, while comparisons to a legend like Shane Warne are high praise, each bowler has their unique identity and strengths. Kuldeep Yadav continues to evolve and make his own mark on the world of cricket, drawing inspiration from Warne's legacy while forging his own path.