Kuldeep Yadav

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket: Born on December 14, 1994, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kuldeep Yadav started his cricketing journey as a fast bowler. However, it was his coach Kapil Pandey who recognized his potential as a left-arm wrist spinner and encouraged him to make the switch. Despite initial challenges, Yadav soon mastered the art of left-arm wrist spin, displaying remarkable control and a potent wrong’un among his variations.

Rise in Youth Cricket: Yadav’s talents were evident from a young age, and he quickly made a mark in youth cricket. He represented India Under-19s and played a pivotal role in the 2014 U-19 World Cup in Dubai. His hat-trick against Scotland and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

IPL and Domestic Success: Although Yadav had to wait for his IPL debut, his performances in domestic cricket for teams like Uttar Pradesh and India A earned him recognition. His breakthrough came when he impressed for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Champions League, showcasing his skills as a support bowler to Sunil Narine. Following his success in the IPL, Yadav earned his maiden call-up to the Indian ODI squad in 2014.

International Debut and Success: Yadav made his international debut for India in ODIs against the West Indies in 2014, marking the beginning of a promising international career. He subsequently made his Test debut against Australia in 2017 and immediately made an impact with a four-wicket haul in the first innings. Since then, Yadav has been a regular member of India’s Test, ODI, and T20I squads, consistently troubling batsmen with his turn and variations.

Bowling Prowess and Records: Known for his ability to extract turn and deceive batsmen with flight, Yadav has been a potent weapon in India’s spin bowling arsenal. His impressive bowling figures in international cricket, including 168 wickets in ODIs and 59 wickets in T20Is, highlight his effectiveness as a spinner. Yadav’s ability to pick up crucial wickets in all formats of the game has made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.

At 29 years of age, Kuldeep Yadav continues to be a key player in Indian cricket. With his unique skill set and ability to turn the ball both ways, he poses a constant threat to opposition batsmen. As he continues to mature as a cricketer, fans can expect Yadav to play a significant role in India’s quest for success in international cricket.