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Tag: Kuldeep Yadav

Introduction

Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm chinaman wizard, is one of India’s most unique and impactful spinners in the modern cricketing era. Known for his flight, variations, and ability to deceive batters in all formats, Kuldeep has carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket history. From taking two ODI hat-tricks to becoming the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 Asia Cup, he has consistently risen to the occasion when it matters most.

Quick Profile

Attribute Details
Full Name Kuldeep Yadav
Date of Birth 14 December 1994
Birthplace Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India
Role Bowler (Left-arm unorthodox spin)
Batting Style Left-handed
Teams India, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Capitals
International Debut Test – 25 Mar 2017 vs Australia
IPL Team (2025) Delhi Capitals

Early Life and Inspiration

Kuldeep was born in Unnao and raised in Kanpur, where his father ran a brick kiln. Initially, he dreamt of becoming a left-arm fast bowler like Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan. However, due to his build and his natural turn at trials, his coach encouraged him to switch to wrist spin. Inspired by Shane Warne, Kuldeep started mastering the art of chinaman bowling by watching videos and practicing diligently.

He faced serious rejection early on when he was not picked for the U-15 Uttar Pradesh team, which led to emotional turmoil. However, with his father’s support, he continued and eventually made it to the India U-19 squad for the 2014 U-19 World Cup.

Domestic and IPL Career

Kuldeep was first signed by Mumbai Indians in 2012 but didn’t get to play. His breakthrough came in 2014 when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him. He impressed during the Champions League T20 and stayed with KKR until 2021. In 2022, he was signed by Delhi Capitals, where he won four Player of the Match awards — the most in that IPL season.

International Career Milestones

Test Debut (2017)

Kuldeep made his Test debut against Australia in Dharamsala and picked 4 wickets in the first innings — a rare feat for a debutant chinaman bowler.

ODI & T20I Debut

  • ODI Debut: 23 June 2017 vs West Indies

  • T20I Debut: 9 July 2017 vs West Indies

In September 2017, he became the third Indian to take an ODI hat-trick, against Australia in Kolkata.

Career Stats Overview

Format Matches Wickets Best Bowling 5W Hauls Economy
Test 12 50+ 5/99 2 ~3.0
ODI 98 170+ 6/25 2 ~4.9
T20I 35+ 60+ 5/24 1 ~7.0
IPL 73+ 75+ 4/14 0 ~7.8

*Data updated as of 2025

Historic Moments & Records

  • First Indian to take two ODI hat-tricks (vs Australia 2017, vs West Indies 2019)

  • Fastest Indian spinner to 100 ODI wickets (in 58 innings)

  • Quickest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets (in 88 matches)

  • Best ODI bowling by a left-arm spinner: 6/25 vs England (2018)

  • Player of the Tournament – Asia Cup 2023

T20 World Cup & Champions Trophy Glory

  • 2024 T20 World Cup Winner: Played a vital role with timely wickets

  • 2025 Champions Trophy Winner: Consistently led the spin attack for India

Recent Form and 2023-2025 Highlights

  • Asia Cup 2023: 5/25 vs Pakistan and 4/43 vs Sri Lanka – crowned Player of the Tournament

  • World Cup 2023: Key wickets in matches against Australia, Pakistan, and England

  • ODI Series vs West Indies (2023): 7 wickets at an average of 8.71

  • 2024 T20 World Cup: Named in the squad and contributed during crunch stages

  • 2025 Champions Trophy: Contributed in India’s triumphant campaign

Playing Style and Impact

Kuldeep is a classical wrist-spinner with deceptive flight, loop, and subtle variations. He relies more on skill and drift than speed. His ability to bowl in middle overs and break partnerships makes him invaluable across formats.

Strengths:

  • Chinaman bowling – rare and difficult to pick

  • Strategic mindset and use of angles

  • Match-winning performances in ICC tournaments

  • High wicket-to-match ratio in ODIs

Personal Trivia

  • Idol: Shane Warne

  • Known for watching hours of footage to perfect his deliveries

  • Once contemplated quitting cricket due to early rejection

  • Frequently credited his coach and father for his rise

  • Met Prime Minister Narendra Modi post India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory

Final Word

Kuldeep Yadav’s journey is a testament to grit, innovation, and never giving up. From contemplating quitting cricket to becoming one of India’s top white-ball bowlers, Kuldeep has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. As India continues to chase glory in ICC events, Kuldeep remains a key spinner in their arsenal, bringing balance, experience, and magic to the team.