In the vibrant world of white-ball cricket, where every run and wicket counts, Kuldeep Yadav has become the silent architect of India’s recent success. He possesses a unique ability to snatch crucial wickets during the middle overs, a skill that has proven invaluable, whether on the batting-friendly pitches of India or the more challenging, sluggish tracks of Dubai.
His left-arm wrist spin is a rare and potent weapon, often leaving batters guessing and opening up games when runs are flowing. Kuldeep has been a central figure in India’s major campaigns, leading the spin attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. India’s recent triumphs in two of these three ICC trophies owe much to his pivotal contributions, highlighting his role in the team’s white-ball dominance.
Kuldeep’s journey to this formidable position wasn’t without its trials. A career-threatening knee surgery marked a significant crossroads, but instead of fading, he used it as an opportunity for reinvention. The ‘Kuldeep 2.0’ that emerged is a bowler transformed: his action is more streamlined, his front arm guides perfectly towards the target, and his bowling arm is impeccably aligned. He has shortened his stride, incorporated a freer follow-through, and notably increased his pace through the air. These adjustments were evident in his back-to-back Player of the Match performances in the ongoing Asia Cup.
Before this resurgence, Kuldeep faced a period of struggle with injuries, a dip in form, and a subsequent loss of pace, which saw him slide down the pecking order. He battled through adversity, only to face a new challenge: questions about his batting prowess. Despite former coach Ravi Shastri predicting his rise as India’s leading overseas Test spinner after his heroic performance in Sydney in 2019, Kuldeep found himself sidelined during the five-match Test series against England, as the team prioritised an extra batting option.
Throughout his career, Kuldeep has often thrived with strong backing. Early on, MS Dhoni offered steady guidance, followed by unwavering support from captain Rohit Sharma and, in the IPL, from Rishabh Pant at Delhi Capitals. However, within the current Indian setup, Kuldeep often appears to be navigating his path largely on his own.
“It’s challenging when you’re not playing,” Kuldeep candidly shared with the media in Dubai. “Rhythm is paramount when you return to play after a break. When you play regularly, your rhythm is set. You have a clear understanding of your bowling, how you engage in the field, and your reactions.”
His career trajectory mirrors his bowling — full of turns, bounces, and drifts, yet always underpinned by accuracy and zip. The England tour was a stern test of his resolve. “Sometimes, in three or four matches, I felt I could play, but unfortunately, I couldn’t because they desired batting depth,” Kuldeep explained. “The communication was very clear, which I believe is crucial. Gauti bhai was very straightforward. I understood it wasn’t about my skill or batting, but rather the conditions or combination.”
Kuldeep was unequivocal about his primary role: taking wickets. “You should always work on batting, but bowling is my core strength. If I play in any team, it will be as a bowler. My job is to take wickets; without them, there’s no place for me,” he asserted. “So, it’s vital to see myself as a proper bowler. My duty is to secure wickets for the team. While practice sessions are for refining all skills, I’ll continue to enhance my batting. I’ve learned that diligent effort is key in life; everything else follows naturally.”
After the IPL, his first competitive game was the Duleep Trophy, where he bowled 35 overs without taking a wicket. Instead of blaming external factors, Kuldeep embraced self-reflection. “It’s incredibly tough to look inward and identify weaknesses, decide what to improve, and how to become a better player. There are two paths, and the player chooses. But it’s crucial to consistently work hard, never give up, and always keep playing. Cricket brings both good and bad days. When you’re not playing, you have the opportunity to work on yourself and return a better player when the chance arises.”
“That’s the essence of the game. You learn from failures. Not every game is perfect, nor is every game a complete failure. You must always strive for improvement, whether you take five wickets or six, there’s always a desire to do better. Sometimes the wickets come, sometimes they don’t.”
Kuldeep Yadav is clearly a cricketer who embraces challenges. As he once famously stated on ‘Breakfast with Champions’, “Dhoke-dhakke sab khaya hun” (I have faced betrayals and setbacks). If India hopes to clinch the Asia Cup and then defend their T20 World Cup title next year, it’s increasingly evident that much of that ambition will rest on the shoulders of their resilient wrist-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav.