Kuldeep Yadav Biography: Career, Wickets, Achievements, and Life
Kuldeep Yadav, renowned for reviving the rare art of left-arm wrist-spin in international cricket, has emerged as a key figure in India’s bowling arsenal. From humble beginnings in Kanpur to claiming historic wickets and contributing to major tournament victories, Kuldeep Yadav’s journey exemplifies determination. This detailed biography explores Kuldeep Yadav’s cricketing career, statistics, records, achievements, personal life, and more, highlighting his impressive wickets tally and match-defining performances.
Introduction to Cricket
Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood was marked by a modest lifestyle in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he grew up in a working-class family. His father owned a brick kiln, and young Kuldeep Yadav balanced school with dreams of becoming a fast bowler, inspired by legends like Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan. However, his slight build posed challenges for pace bowling. Kuldeep Yadav entered the world of cricket at age 10 when his father, recognizing his passion, enrolled him in a local academy. He trained at the Kanpur Cricket Academy under coach Kapil Dev Pandey, who played a pivotal role in his development. Impressed by Kuldeep Yadav’s natural wrist action during trials, Pandey advised him to switch from seam to wrist-spin, a decision that transformed his career. Kuldeep Yadav honed his skills by watching videos of Shane Warne, mastering variations like the googly and flipper. He progressed through Uttar Pradesh’s age-group teams, shining in Under-19 cricket before his international breakthrough in 2017.
Full Name
Kuldeep Yadav.
Nickname(s)
Kuldeep Yadav is commonly known as “Chinaman” due to his bowling style and “Kulcha” from his spin partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal.
Date of Birth
Kuldeep Yadav was born on 14 December 1994 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Country Represented
Kuldeep Yadav represents India in international cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav Batting and Bowling Style
Kuldeep Yadav is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm wrist-spin bowler, specializing in Chinaman deliveries with deceptive variations.
Kuldeep Yadav Debut
Kuldeep Yadav made his Test debut on 25 March 2017 against Australia in Dharamsala, his ODI debut on 23 June 2017 against West Indies in Port of Spain, and his T20I debut on 9 July 2017 against West Indies in Kingston.
Kuldeep Yadav Major Achievements
Kuldeep Yadav’s achievements include being the first Indian bowler to take two hat-tricks in international cricket (against West Indies in 2019 and Australia in 2017). He is the fastest Indian spinner to reach 100 ODI wickets, achieving it in 58 innings. Kuldeep Yadav claimed the most wickets (10) in the 2018 Asia Cup, aiding India’s victory, and was named Player of the Tournament in the 2023 Asia Cup with 9 wickets. His best ODI figures of 6/25 against England in 2018 remain the finest by a left-arm spinner in the format. Kuldeep Yadav contributed to India’s triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. Records include the first Indian hat-trick in Under-19 World Cup (2014), multiple five-wicket hauls like 5/25 against Pakistan in 2023 ODI World Cup, and 5/17 in T20Is. In IPL 2022, Kuldeep Yadav took 21 wickets for Delhi Capitals, marking a stellar comeback.
Kuldeep Yadav Playing Career
Kuldeep Yadav’s playing career began domestically with Uttar Pradesh in 2012, where he impressed in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, taking 17 wickets in the 2016 Duleep Trophy. In IPL, Kuldeep Yadav was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2012 but didn’t play; he debuted with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016, taking 12 wickets in IPL 2017 and forming part of their spin attack until 2021. A form dip and injuries, including knee surgery in 2021, sidelined him, but Kuldeep Yadav revived with Delhi Capitals in 2022, claiming 21 wickets. Internationally, after debuting in 2017 with 4 wickets on Test debut, Kuldeep Yadav shone in 2018 with five-wicket hauls in Tests and ODIs. The “Kulcha” partnership with Chahal dominated limited-overs from 2018-2020, keeping veterans like Ashwin out. Memorable matches include his hat-trick against Australia in 2017 ODI, 6/25 vs England in 2018, and 5/99 vs Australia in 2019 Test. Kuldeep Yadav’s contributions were vital in series wins against England (2018), Australia (2019), and Bangladesh (2022). As of August 2025, Kuldeep Yadav remains active, retained by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 at INR 13.25 crore, included in Central Zone’s Duleep Trophy squad, and potentially facing competition for Asia Cup spot. He has played 13 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 40 T20Is, with recent performances including 8 wickets in 2022 Bangladesh Tests and strong showings in England’s 2025 tour pitches suited for spinners.
Kuldeep Yadav Key Statistics
Kuldeep Yadav’s career statistics as of August 2025 emphasize his bowling prowess:
Kuldeep Yadav Bowling Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Bowling | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 24 | 2093 | 1241 | 56 | 22.16 | 3.55 | 37.3 | 5/40 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| ODI | 113 | 110 | 5754 | 4786 | 181 | 26.44 | 4.99 | 31.7 | 6/25 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 40 | 39 | 860 | 971 | 69 | 14.07 | 6.77 | 12.4 | 5/17 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 43 | 73 | 7970 | 4816 | 164 | 29.36 | 3.62 | 48.5 | 6/79 | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| List A | 126 | 123 | 6414 | 5266 | 202 | 26.06 | 4.92 | 31.7 | 6/25 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| T20 | 175 | 171 | 3726 | 4631 | 215 | 21.53 | 7.45 | 17.3 | 5/17 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
Batting Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 17 | 199 | 40 | 13.26 | 28.51 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 113 | 42 | 207 | 19 | 9.85 | 50.85 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 40 | 7 | 46 | 23* | 11.50 | 77.96 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 43 | 57 | 1050 | 117 | 21.00 | 38.73 | 1 | 6 |
| List A | 126 | 50 | 261 | 25 | 10.03 | 52.51 | 0 | 0 |
| T20 | 175 | 44 | 150 | 23* | 8.82 | 78.12 | 0 | 0 |
Kuldeep Yadav has earned multiple Man of the Match awards, including four in IPL 2022 and several in internationals for hauls like 4/18 vs South Africa in 2022. Man of the Series honors include in bilateral ODIs. Best performances: 8/113 in Tests, 6/25 in ODIs.
Leadership and Captaincy
Kuldeep Yadav has not held major leadership roles in international cricket. He has occasionally led in domestic matches for Uttar Pradesh but primarily focuses on his bowling duties.
Notable World Cup Performances
Kuldeep Yadav’s World Cup performances have been career-defining. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he took crucial wickets, including 2/42 against Australia, 2/35 vs Pakistan, and 2/24 vs England, helping India reach the final. His 5/25 against Pakistan was a standout, making him the fifth Indian to claim a five-wicket haul against them. Kuldeep Yadav was part of the 2019 ODI World Cup squad and played a role in the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, though limited overs. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Kuldeep Yadav contributed wickets in key matches, solidifying India’s win. Earlier, in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he took a hat-trick, a first for India.
Personal Life and Charitable Work
Off the field, Kuldeep Yadav leads a private life, having overcome early struggles like depression after failing Uttar Pradesh Under-15 selection, where he contemplated suicide but persevered with family support. He engages in charitable work, supporting underprivileged children in Kanpur through cricket coaching camps and donations to local academies, giving back to the community that nurtured his talent. Kuldeep Yadav promotes mental health awareness, drawing from his experiences.
Business Ventures
Kuldeep Yadav endorses brands like sports apparel and fitness products, leveraging his fame. He has no major franchise ownership but invests in cricket academies in Uttar Pradesh and has launched a personal training app for aspiring spinners. His IPL retention at high value underscores his marketability.
Kuldeep Yadav Family Details
Kuldeep Yadav’s father, Ram Singh Yadav, is a brick kiln owner who supported his cricketing dreams. His mother, Usha Yadav, is a homemaker who managed the household during his early training days. Kuldeep Yadav is unmarried and has no children as of 2025, focusing on his career.
Post-Retirement
As of August 2025, Kuldeep Yadav is actively playing, with upcoming commitments like Duleep Trophy and potential Asia Cup. Post-retirement, he may pursue coaching, given his expertise in wrist-spin, or commentary roles, mentoring young talents in India.
Fun Fact
A quirky fact about Kuldeep Yadav is that he initially trained as a fast bowler but switched to wrist-spin on his coach’s advice, becoming one of the few successful Chinaman bowlers in modern cricket—a “road less travelled” that led to historic achievements.
Kuldeep Yadav’s legacy includes 181 ODI wickets at 26.44, 69 T20I wickets at 14.07, and numerous match-winning hauls, inspiring a new generation of spinners. His resilience and skill continue to drive India’s success in global tournaments.
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