India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has offered a candid reflection on his career trajectory, admitting that the periods when he has not been part of the playing XI have taught him some of his most valuable lessons, shaping both his mindset and approach to the game; Kuldeep, who has endured stretches on the sidelines due to injury, form, and team combinations, explained that such phases have forced him to re-evaluate his skills, strengthen his resolve, and sharpen his focus on aspects of preparation that often get overlooked in the rush of regular competition; he acknowledged that while the frustration of not playing can be difficult, it also provides the space to analyse, learn from mistakes, and build mental resilience, ultimately making him a more complete cricketer; in his view, time away from the field has been less about stagnation and more about growth, giving him clarity on how to seize opportunities when they arrive and how to maintain perspective through the ups and downs of an international career; with a renewed sense of confidence and maturity, Kuldeep stressed that his experiences of waiting in the wings have instilled a deeper appreciation for the game, reinforcing the idea that setbacks can often serve as the foundation for future success.