Playing in Mushtaq Ali helped me prepare better for SA: Kuldeep

"So far it has been good. I have played the full T20 season (Syed Mushtaq Ali). My rhythm is good so hopefully I will be able to continue bowling well there as well," Kuldeep told reporters after Uttar Pradesh's 75-run win over Bengal at the Eden Gardens in a Group B Super League match.

Kuldeep returned best figures of 4/26 after Suresh Rai struck a belligerent 126 not out batting first, at an excellent strike-rate of 139.09 to put up a mammoth 235/2. In reply, Bengal could only mage 160 all out.

In this competition, he has so far bagged seven wickets in six matches.

Asked how important is this tourment for him, now that the 23-year old is a regular member of the Indian team, Kuldeep said: "Every game here is important as an individual and as a team. The team needs you and it is a matter of pride to play for the state always. The state has given you everything so I came to play.

"It also gives you good match practice as you get to play against big players. Practice sessions are also good."

Kuldeep's previous India appearance was against Sri Lanka in December in the last T20 game in Mumbai. He is not part of the Test team currently playing in South Africa.

Quizzed about his fighting back instincts and not shying away from bowling aggressively despite leaking runs, Kuldeep said in T20 cricket the main aim should be taking wickets and he is the kind of bowler who always looks for that.

"You will leak runs in T20 cricket. T20 is all about how many wickets you take. Wickets help the team in this format. When there is a score of 230 plus on the board, you know the opposition will go for scoring runs. My style is always taking wickets and I always look to take wickets and not restrict runs. If I look to restrict runs, I can end up conceding more maybe," Kuldeep said. IANS