Kuldeep Yadav is an Indian international cricketer known for his left-arm wrist spin, a rarity and a valuable asset in the cricketing world. Born on December 14, 1994, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Yadav has established himself as one of the premier spinners in international cricket, with the ability to deceive batsmen with his flight, turn, and variations. His unique bowling style has made him a crucial player for the Indian cricket team across all formats, as well as for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team. Kuldeep’s rise in international cricket has been meteoric, attributed to his hard work, dedication, and an innate ability to understand and exploit the weaknesses of batsmen.
Biography
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey to international cricket is a story of resilience and perseverance. Growing up in a humble family in Kanpur, his initial dream was to become a fast bowler, but on the advice of his coach, he switched to wrist spin. This decision would define his cricketing career. Kuldeep honed his craft at the academy, overcoming challenges and setbacks with the support of his family and coach. His breakthrough came in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where his performances caught the eye of national selectors. Yadav’s domestic performances for Uttar Pradesh in first-class cricket further showcased his talent, leading to his selection for the Indian national team.
Sporting Achievements
Kuldeep Yadav’s sporting achievements are a testament to his impact on the field. He made his Test debut for India in March 2017 against Australia in Dharamsala, where he took four wickets in the first innings, announcing his arrival on the international stage. His ODI debut was equally impressive, becoming the third Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs, against Australia in September 2017. Kuldeep has been a key figure in India’s bowling attack, particularly in limited-overs cricket, where his partnership with fellow spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, dubbed “KulCha,” has been highly effective.
In the IPL, Kuldeep has been instrumental in the success of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), contributing significantly to their bowling strength. His performances in international cricket have included multiple five-wicket hauls in Tests and ODIs, showcasing his ability to dominate even the best batsmen in the world. Kuldeep’s achievements are not just limited to his wicket-taking ability; he has also been recognized for his contributions to the team, including nominations for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey from a young boy with dreams of playing for India to becoming one of the leading spinners in international cricket is inspiring. His achievements reflect his skill, hard work, and the impact he has had on the cricketing world, with much more expected from him in the future.
Player Stats
Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 11 | 20 | 1789 | 1004 | 46 | 5/40 | 8/113 | 21.82 | 3.36 | 38.8 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| ODIs | 103 | 100 | 5189 | 4370 | 168 | 6/25 | 6/25 | 26.01 | 05.05 | 30.8 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| T20Is | 35 | 34 | 740 | 832 | 59 | 5/17 | 5/17 | 14.10 | 6.74 | 12.5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 39 | 66 | 7336 | 4347 | 150 | 6/79 | 9/120 | 28.98 | 3.55 | 48.9 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| List A | 116 | 113 | 5849 | 4850 | 189 | 6/25 | 6/25 | 25.66 | 4.97 | 30.9 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| T20s | 145 | 142 | 3042 | 3759 | 174 | 5/17 | 5/17 | 21.60 | 7.41 | 17.4 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 11 | 14 | 1 | 161 | 40 | 12.38 | 592 | 27.19 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| ODIs | 103 | 37 | 18 | 190 | 19 | 10.00 | 338 | 56.21 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| T20Is | 35 | 7 | 3 | 46 | 23* | 11.50 | 59 | 77.96 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| FC | 39 | 51 | 6 | 986 | 117 | 21.91 | 2498 | 39.47 | 1 | 6 | 119 | 7 | 14 | 0 |
| List A | 116 | 45 | 21 | 244 | 25 | 10.16 | 428 | 57.00 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| T20s | 145 | 45 | 29 | 232 | 23* | 14.50 | 282 | 82.26 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 36 | 0 |