When you think of India’s modern cricketing greats, especially in the art of spin, Kuldeep Yadav is a name that instantly comes to mind. He isn’t your everyday spinner — he’s a left-arm wrist-spinner (also called a chinaman bowler), one of the rarest breeds in cricket. Over the years, Kuldeep has left fans, teammates, and even cricketing legends in awe with his unique bowling style and consistent match-winning performances.
In this article, we’ll walk through his journey, achievements, and key stats, all in an easy-to-read format. Whether you’re a hardcore cricket lover or just curious about India’s spin sensation, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Who is Kuldeep Yadav?
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Full Name: Kuldeep Yadav
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Born: December 14, 1994 (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India)
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Age: 30 years (as of 2025)
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Role: Specialist bowler
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Batting Style: Left-handed
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Bowling Style: Left-arm wrist-spin (Chinaman)
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Country: India
From Kanpur’s local grounds to international stadiums across the globe, Kuldeep has carved out a niche for himself as one of the finest white-ball spinners of his generation.
Kuldeep’s Rise to Fame
Kuldeep’s story is one of grit, patience, and reinvention. Initially, he wanted to be a fast bowler, but his coach suggested he try spin. That twist of fate gave Indian cricket its first-ever left-arm wrist-spinner who could turn the ball both ways.
His big break came in 2017, when he made his debut across all three formats (Test, ODI, and T20) and quickly proved himself as a match-winner. His variations, flight, and ability to deceive even world-class batsmen made him a fan favorite.
Career Highlights at a Glance
Here are some quick career milestones:
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Test debut: March 25, 2017, vs Australia (HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala)
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ODI debut: June 23, 2017, vs West Indies (Queen’s Park Oval)
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T20I debut: July 9, 2017, vs West Indies (Sabina Park)
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IPL debut: April 13, 2016, vs Mumbai Indians (Eden Gardens)
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Last ODI (so far): March 9, 2025, vs New Zealand (Dubai International Stadium)
Kuldeep Yadav’s Batting Stats (Across Formats)
Okay, let’s be real — batting isn’t Kuldeep’s main strength. But like any good lower-order player, he’s chipped in with handy runs when the team needed them.
Test Matches
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Matches: 13 | Runs: 199 | Highest Score: 40
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Average: 13.27 | Strike Rate: 28.52
ODIs
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Matches: 113 | Runs: 207 | Highest Score: 19
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Average: 9.86 | Strike Rate: 50.86
T20Is
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Matches: 40 | Runs: 46 | Highest Score: 23
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Average: 11.5 | Strike Rate: 77.97
IPL
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Matches: 98 | Runs: 201 | Highest Score: 35
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Average: 13.4 | Strike Rate: 86.64
While his batting numbers don’t turn heads, his role in the side has always been crystal clear — pick wickets, win matches, and unsettle batsmen.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Bowling Stats (Across Formats)
This is where things get exciting. Let’s break down Kuldeep’s bowling achievements:
Test Cricket
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Matches: 13 | Wickets: 56
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Best Bowling: 5/40 in an innings, 8/113 in a match
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Bowling Average: 22.16
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Strike Rate: 37.38
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5-wicket hauls: 4
ODIs
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Matches: 113 | Wickets: 181
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Best Bowling: 6/25
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Bowling Average: 26.44
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Economy Rate: 4.99
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Strike Rate: 31.79
T20Is
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Matches: 40 | Wickets: 69
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Best Bowling: 5/17
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Bowling Average: 14.07
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Economy Rate: 6.77
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Strike Rate: 12.46
IPL
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Matches: 98 | Wickets: 102
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Best Bowling: 4/14
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Bowling Average: 26.95
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Economy: 8.04
Fun Fact: Kuldeep is one of the few Indian bowlers to take a hat-trick in ODIs — and he has done it twice!
Why Kuldeep Stands Out
So, what makes Kuldeep so special? Let’s break it down:
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Rare Bowling Style: Left-arm wrist-spin is uncommon, making him unpredictable.
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Deadly Variations: His googly is as lethal as his stock delivery.
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Big Match Player: He has a knack for delivering breakthroughs in pressure situations.
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Adaptability: Whether in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, or IPL, he has adapted to every format.
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Comebacks: After struggling with form around 2019–2021, he made a stunning comeback to reclaim his spot.
Memorable Performances
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6/25 vs England (ODI): A career-defining spell where he completely dismantled the English batting order.
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5/17 vs West Indies (T20I): Showcased why he’s one of the best in the shortest format.
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Test 5-fors: His ability to take wickets on non-turning tracks has impressed critics and fans alike.
Kuldeep in the IPL
In the Indian Premier League, Kuldeep has been a key figure. He started with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), later moved to Delhi Capitals (DC), and became a vital asset with his wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. His consistency in choking runs while also picking wickets has made him a match-winner.
Also Read : Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Match Scorecard- Match No. 70th at Lucknow, 27 May 2025
Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Kuldeep represents something larger than just numbers:
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He’s brought variety to India’s bowling attack.
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Alongside Yuzvendra Chahal (fondly called “KulCha”), he formed one of the most feared spin duos in limited-overs cricket.
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His journey has inspired many young cricketers, proving that even rare, unconventional styles can find success on the big stage.
Challenges and Comebacks
Like every athlete, Kuldeep has faced tough phases. Injuries, dips in form, and team selection challenges could have derailed his career. But his resilience and determination have seen him bounce back — stronger each time.
His story is proof that persistence pays off, and talent coupled with hard work can silence critics.
Kuldeep Off the Field
While he’s quiet and composed on the field, off it Kuldeep is known to be humble, grounded, and hardworking. His teammates often describe him as someone who’s always eager to learn and improve.
What’s Next for Kuldeep Yadav?
At just 30, Kuldeep is entering what many consider a bowler’s prime years. With India eyeing major ICC tournaments in the coming years, Kuldeep will be one of the key weapons in their arsenal. If he continues this form, there’s no reason why he can’t finish as one of India’s all-time great spinners.
Final Thoughts
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From Kanpur’s dusty pitches to international stadiums, from setbacks to glorious comebacks — he’s shown what it means to stay true to your craft.
With his unique bowling style, match-winning spells, and never-give-up attitude, Kuldeep has already etched his name in India’s cricketing history. And the best part? His story is far from over.
If you’re a cricket fan, one thing’s for sure: whenever Kuldeep comes on to bowl, expect magic.
