In recent years, Kuldeep Yadav has become indispensable to India’s white-ball bowling attack, consistently delivering vital wickets during the middle overs of matches.
Whether on India’s famously flat pitches or Dubai’s slower surfaces, Kuldeep possesses a unique ability to break partnerships when least expected. His left-arm wrist spin, a rare and deceptive art, often leaves batsmen guessing and unsure, making him a potent threat.
Kuldeep has been India’s premier spinner across major white-ball tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His contributions have been instrumental in India’s success, with the team clinching two out of these three coveted ICC trophies.
Following a career-threatening knee surgery, Kuldeep underwent a significant transformation, emerging as an even more formidable bowler – an “unstoppable Kuldeep 2.0.”
His revamped bowling action is a testament to his dedication: a cleaner front arm drives towards the target, his bowling arm is perfectly aligned, and his run-up is more direct. He has also shortened his stride, adopted a more fluid follow-through, and increased the pace of his deliveries. These critical adjustments have been evident in the ongoing Asia Cup, where he has earned consecutive Player of the Match accolades.
However, Kuldeep’s journey has been marked by significant challenges, including injuries, a dip in form, and a subsequent loss of pace that saw him drop down the team’s hierarchy. Despite these setbacks, he displayed remarkable resilience. Even after former coach Ravi Shastri predicted he would become India’s primary spinner in overseas Tests following his impressive performance in Sydney in 2019, his batting abilities were scrutinized, leading to him being overlooked for the entire five-match Test series against England.
Throughout his career, Kuldeep has often thrived with the consistent backing of his teammates and mentors. Early on, he benefited from MS Dhoni’s guidance, followed by the support of captain Rohit Sharma. In the IPL, he found steadfast encouragement under Rishabh Pant at Delhi Capitals.
Curiously, within the broader Indian team setup, Kuldeep sometimes appears to be navigating his path largely on his own.
“It’s challenging when you’re not playing,” Kuldeep admitted to the media in Dubai before India’s match against Oman.
He elaborated, “Rhythm is crucial, especially when returning to the field after a break. Regular match play helps establish that rhythm, giving you a clear understanding of your bowling, how you manage your time on the field, and your reactions during a game.”
Kuldeep’s career trajectory mirrors his unique bowling style: full of turns, bounces, and drifts, yet consistently marked by accuracy and pace. The England tour presented another significant challenge. He was unable to feature in any of the five Test matches, as the team management prioritized an extra batting option. Despite the difficulty, Kuldeep maintained his focus and diligently stuck to his training routines.
“There were moments in three or four matches when I felt I could contribute, but unfortunately, the team opted for greater batting depth,” he explained.
He appreciated the clarity, stating, “The communication was very clear, which I believe is extremely important.”
“Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir, likely) was always straightforward,” Kuldeep added. “While I sometimes felt ready to play, the team combination, often due to the need for batting depth, meant I didn’t get a spot. It wasn’t about my bowling skill or batting ability; it was purely about the conditions and team strategy.”
Kuldeep, however, was unequivocal about his primary role, asserting that his main objective in the team is to take wickets.
“You should always work on batting, but bowling remains my core strength,” Kuldeep stated. “When I play for any team, I am selected as a bowler. My job is to claim wickets, and if I fail to do that, there won’t be a place for me.”
He emphasized the importance of this mindset: “It’s crucial to understand that you play as a specialist bowler, and your main task is to secure wickets for the team. However, practice sessions are dedicated to honing every skill. I will continue to improve, as I’ve learned that consistent hard work eventually yields results.”
Following the IPL, Kuldeep’s first competitive outing was in the Duleep Trophy, where he bowled 35 overs without taking a single wicket. He reflected on this, noting that while it’s easy to point fingers at external factors, he chose to take personal responsibility for his performance.
“It’s incredibly tough to introspect and identify areas for improvement,” he acknowledged. “To ask yourself, ‘What are my weaknesses? What should I focus on? How can I become a better player?’ There are always two paths, and the player must decide which one to take. However, it’s vital to relentlessly work hard, leave no stone unturned, and consistently engage with the game. Cricket, like life, presents both good and bad days. When you’re not actively playing, it provides a valuable opportunity to refine your skills and emerge as a stronger player for your next chance.”
He concluded, “That’s just how the game works. Failures are lessons. Not every match will be perfect, and not every match will be a disaster. The key is continuous improvement, constantly striving to be better. Even after taking five or six wickets, there’s always an aspiration to do more. Sometimes the wickets come, and sometimes they don’t.”
Kuldeep Yadav has never shied away from adversity. Reflecting on his life experiences during an appearance on the show “Breakfast with Champions,” he candidly stated, “Dhoke-dhakke sab khaya hun” (I have faced betrayals and setbacks).
As India sets its sights on winning the Asia Cup and subsequently defending their T20 World Cup title on home soil next year, it’s increasingly evident that Kuldeep Yadav will be a crucial factor in their quest for glory.