Kuldeep Yadav

Q: How many wickets has Kuldeep Yadav taken?

As of January 2026, Kuldeep Yadav has taken 76 wickets in 17 Test matches, 191 wickets in 117 ODI matches, 90 wickets in 50 T20I matches, and 102 wickets in 83 IPL matches. He is one of India's most successful spinners across formats.

January 13, 2026
Cricketer
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QUICK INFO BOX

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Kuldeep Yadav
Nick Name	Chinaman, KD
Profession	International Cricketer (Bowler)
Date of Birth	December 14, 1994
Age	31 years (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India
Hometown	Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Nationality	Indian
Religion	Hindu
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Ethnicity	Asian/Indian
Father	Ram Singh Yadav (Brick Kiln Owner)
Mother	Usha Yadav (Homemaker)
Siblings	3 Sisters – Anushka Singh Yadav, Anita Yadav, Madhu Yadav
Fiancée	Vanshika (LIC Officer)
Children	None
School	Karam Devi Memorial Academy, World School, Kanpur
College	Not Disclosed
Cricket Academy	Rovers Cricket Academy, Kanpur (Coach: Kapil Pandey)
Role	Bowler
Batting Style	Left-handed
Bowling Style	Left-arm Chinaman (Unorthodox Spin)
Domestic Team	Uttar Pradesh
IPL Team	Delhi Capitals (2022-Present)
Jersey Number	23 (India & IPL)
Test Debut	March 25, 2017 vs Australia (Dharamsala)
ODI Debut	June 23, 2017 vs West Indies
T20I Debut	July 9, 2017 vs West Indies
IPL Debut	2016 (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Coach	Kapil Pandey (Childhood Coach)
Height	5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight	61 kg
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Net Worth	₹50 Crore (approx. $6 million) as of 2026
IPL Salary	₹13.25 Crore (2025-26)
Instagram	@kuldeep_yadav18
Twitter	@imkuldeep18

1. Introduction

What makes a cricketer truly special? Is it the ability to deceive the world’s best batsmen with a flick of the wrist? Kuldeep Yadav, India’s celebrated left-arm wrist spinner, has done exactly that throughout his remarkable career.

Who is Kuldeep Yadav?

Kuldeep Yadav is an Indian international cricketer born on December 14, 1994. A left-arm unorthodox spinner, he plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. He is one of the rarest breeds in modern cricket – a left-arm wrist spinner, also known as a “Chinaman” bowler.

Why is Kuldeep Yadav famous?

Kuldeep was an integral member of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. He holds the distinction of being the first bowler for India to take two hat-tricks in international cricket, both achieved in ODI matches.

Career Summary

Since making his international debut in 2017, Kuldeep has established himself as a match-winner across all formats. His unique bowling style, which combines flight, drift, and deceptive variations, has troubled batsmen worldwide. From being the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup to becoming India’s leading spinner in major ICC tournaments, Kuldeep’s journey is inspiring.

In this comprehensive article, readers will learn about:

Kuldeep Yadav’s early life and cricket journey
Complete career statistics and achievements
Net worth, salary, and brand endorsements
Personal life, family, and engagement details
Lifestyle, assets, and interesting facts
Recent performances and future prospects

2. Early Life & Background

Kuldeep Yadav was born in Unnao but raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the son of a brick kiln owner. His childhood was spent in a modest apartment in Kanpur, where his love for cricket began to bloom.

Family Environment and Upbringing

Growing up in a middle-class family, Kuldeep’s father, Ram Singh Yadav, owned a brick kiln business. Despite limited resources, his family recognized his passion for cricket early on. In an interview, Kuldeep revealed that it was his father who wanted him to continue playing cricket and even took him to a coach.

His mother, Usha Yadav, is a homemaker who has been a pillar of support throughout his career, religiously watching his matches. Kuldeep has three sisters – Anushka Singh Yadav (a lawyer who got married in January 2023), Anita Yadav, and Madhu Yadav.

Introduction to Cricket and First Training

Inspired by bowling greats Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan, young Kuldeep wanted to become a left-arm seamer. However, destiny had different plans for him.

When his father brought him to coach Kapil Pandey at the Rovers Cricket Academy in Kanpur, something unexpected happened. Given his slight build, his coach insisted on him becoming a wrist-spin bowler as he was impressed with the turn and variations he was providing unknowingly at the trials.

This decision changed Kuldeep’s life forever. From that moment, he dedicated himself to mastering the rare art of left-arm wrist spin.

Childhood Passion, Struggles, and Motivation

The journey wasn’t always smooth. Kuldeep revealed that earlier in his life, there was a dark phase when he thought of giving up cricket and committing suicide, when he was not selected in Uttar Pradesh’s under-15 team.

However, with the unwavering support of his family and coach, Kuldeep persevered. Since then, he started following and watching videos of Shane Warne’s bowling and made him his role model. “I keep watching videos of Warne. His grip of the ball, length of deliveries and use of the crease are unbeatable. I try to learn from the footage”.

Cricket Academies Attended

Rovers Cricket Academy, Kanpur (Coach: Kapil Pandey)

This is where Kuldeep’s transformation from aspiring fast bowler to world-class spinner began
Kapil Pandey recognized his natural ability to turn the ball and guided him to become a chinaman bowler
Kuldeep has always credited his coach for identifying his true potential

School Cricket Achievements

During his school days at Karam Devi Memorial Academy and World School in Kanpur, Kuldeep started making a name for himself in local cricket circles. His unique bowling style began attracting attention from selectors.

First Cricket Idol or Inspiration

While Kuldeep initially wanted to bowl like Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan, Shane Warne became his ultimate inspiration after he transitioned to spin bowling. He spent countless hours studying Warne’s techniques, grip, and variations.

3. Family Details

Relation	Name	Occupation
Father	Ram Singh Yadav	Brick Kiln Owner
Mother	Usha Yadav	Homemaker
Sisters	Anushka Singh Yadav	Lawyer (Married in Jan 2023)
	Anita Yadav	Not Disclosed
	Madhu Yadav	Not Disclosed
Fiancée	Vanshika	LIC Officer
Children	None	–

4. Education Background

School: Karam Devi Memorial Academy, World School, Kanpur

College/University: Not publicly disclosed

Cricket Academy: Rovers Cricket Academy, Kanpur (Coach: Kapil Pandey)

Degrees: Information not available in public domain

Balancing Education and Cricket

Like many aspiring cricketers from smaller cities, Kuldeep had to balance his academic commitments with cricket training. His family ensured he completed his schooling while pursuing his cricket dreams. Once he started showing promise at the state level, cricket became his primary focus.

5. Cricket Career Journey

A. Domestic / Club Career

First-Class Debut: Kuldeep made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2016-17 season.

Breakthrough Moment: Kuldeep impressed the Indian national team selectors by taking 17 wickets in three matches in the 2016 Duleep Trophy. This performance opened the doors to international cricket for him.

Key Domestic Performances:

Consistently performed well for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy
Represented Central Zone and India A in various domestic tournaments
His ability to take wickets in clusters made him a sought-after bowler

B. International Career

Test Debut

On 25 March 2017, in his debut Test against Australia at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Kuldeep took four wickets in the first innings, becoming the third such bowler in Test cricket to achieve this feat on debut against Australia.

Despite limited opportunities due to the presence of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep made every chance count. On 6 October 2018, in the first test against West Indies, Yadav took his first five-wicket haul in Tests.

ODI Debut

Kuldeep made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against the West Indies on 23 June 2017. However, during this game, he was unable to bowl a single delivery as the game ended with no result due to rain during the first innings while India was batting.

But he didn’t have to wait long to make an impact. In his next match, he took three wickets, announcing his arrival on the international stage.

Career-Defining Moment:

On 21 September 2017, Yadav became the third bowler for India to take a hat-trick in an ODI after Chetan Sharma and Kapil Dev. He took the hat-trick at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against Australia.

Record-Breaking Performance:

On 12 July 2018, during the first ODI against England, Yadav grabbed his maiden five-wicket haul in an ODI and also set a new record for registering the best bowling figures by a left-arm spin bowler of any kind in an ODI (6/25).

Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets:

On 17 January 2020, in the second ODI against Australia, Yadav became the fastest spin bowler for India, in terms of innings, to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket, in his 58th innings.

T20I Debut

He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for India against the West Indies on 9 July 2017.

On 3 July 2018, Yadav took his first five-for in a T20I and also became the first left-arm wrist-spin bowler to take five wickets in a T20I during the first T20I against England.

Second Hat-trick:

On 18 December 2019, against West Indies he became the first bowler for India to take two hat-tricks in ODIs.

Career Resurgence (2023-2025):

After a challenging period between 2019-2021, Kuldeep Yadav was included in India’s ODI squad for the 2023 tour of the Caribbean. He had a good series coming after poor form following the 2019 World Cup. He picked seven wickets at 8.71.

Asia Cup 2023 Glory:

In India’s first match, against Pakistan, Yadav returned figures of 5/25, becoming the fifth bowler for his country to claim a five-wicket haul against Pakistan, and helped his team win by 228 runs. In the following match against Sri Lanka, he delivered another match-winning performance, claiming 4/43, and in the process, became the quickest Indian spinner to reach 150 ODI wickets in terms of matches played (88), going past Anil Kumble.

He finished with nine wickets and was named Player of the Tournament.

Major Series Performances:

2018 Asia Cup: Joint-highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets
2019 World Cup: Key member of the squad
2023 World Cup: 15 wickets in India’s run to the final
2024 T20 World Cup: Champion
2025 Champions Trophy: Champion

C. IPL / Franchise Cricket

IPL Journey Timeline:

2012: Kuldeep was first picked up by MI in 2012 but didn’t get to play a single match.

2014-2021: Kolkata Knight Riders

Bought for ₹40 lakhs in 2014
First match in 2016
In the year 2018, Kuldeep’s IPL salary saw a hike as he was signed for ₹5.80 crore and received this salary for four years back to back
Struggled in 2019-2020 seasons
Missed IPL 2021 due to knee injury

2022-Present: Delhi Capitals

In 2022, after six seasons with KKR, he was picked by Delhi Capitals (DC). The move seemed to work for him, 2022 being his most prolific IPL season: he took 21 wickets at a strike rate of 14.19, finishing in the tournament’s top-five wicket-takers.

After strong performances for DC in the past few seasons, the franchise retained him for ₹13.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025.

IPL Memorable Matches:

2022: Four Player of the Match awards for Delhi Capitals
Career-best figures in crucial matches
100+ IPL wickets milestone achieved

6. Career Timeline Chart

📅 CAREER TIMELINE

2012 ─── Signed by Mumbai Indians (₹10 lakh)
   │
2014 ─── Hat-trick in U-19 World Cup vs Scotland
   │     Joint second-highest wicket-taker
   │
2014 ─── Bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (₹40 lakh)
   │
2016 ─── IPL Debut for KKR
   │     17 wickets in 3 matches - Duleep Trophy
   │
2017 ─── International Debut (Test vs Australia - 4 wickets)
   │     ODI & T20I Debut vs West Indies
   │     First ODI Hat-trick vs Australia
   │
2018 ─── Best ODI figures (6/25 vs England)
   │     First T20I five-wicket haul
   │     Asia Cup - Joint-highest wicket-taker (10 wickets)
   │     KKR Contract ₹5.8 Crore
   │
2019 ─── Second ODI Hat-trick vs West Indies
   │     First Indian bowler with two ODI hat-tricks
   │
2020 ─── Fastest Indian spinner to 100 ODI wickets (58 innings)
   │
2021 ─── Knee surgery and rehabilitation
   │
2022 ─── Joined Delhi Capitals (₹2 Crore)
   │     Best IPL season - 21 wickets
   │
2023 ─── Asia Cup Player of the Tournament
   │     Fastest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets (88 matches)
   │     Leading ODI wicket-taker (49 wickets)
   │     World Cup finalist
   │
2024 ─── T20 World Cup Winner 🏆
   │     7 wickets vs England in Test series
   │
2025 ─── Champions Trophy Winner 🏆
   │     Retained by DC for ₹13.25 Crore
   │     Engaged to childhood friend Vanshika
   │
2026 ─── Key spinner across all formats for India
         Net Worth: ₹50 Crore

7. Career Statistics

Batting Stats

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	SR	Highest
Test	17	20	170	10.62	42.18	27
ODI	117	47	252	12.60	77.06	25
T20I	50	12	42	7.00	100.00	12*
IPL	83	24	145	10.35	109.09	26

Bowling Stats

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best	5W	10W
Test	17	76	22.42	3.53	5/40	3	0
ODI	117	191	26.30	5.03	6/25	3	–
T20I	50	90	13.18	6.82	5/17	2	–
IPL	83	102	26.09	7.86	5/24	1	–

Statistics updated as of January 2026

8. Player Comparison Section

📊 Kuldeep Yadav vs Yuzvendra Chahal Comparison

Statistic	Kuldeep Yadav	Yuzvendra Chahal
ODI Wickets	191	123
ODI Average	26.30	27.98
T20I Wickets	90	96
Test Wickets	76	0 (Never played)
IPL Wickets	102	205
Hat-tricks	2 (ODI)	0
World Cups Won	1 (T20 2024)	1 (T20 2024)
Champions Trophy	1 (2025)	0
ICC Awards	Player of Month (Sept 2023)	Multiple

Winner: Both spinners have their strengths. While Chahal dominates in IPL and has been more consistent in T20Is, Kuldeep Yadav is the first bowler for India to take two hat-tricks in international cricket and has proven his ability across all formats including Tests. Kuldeep’s recent resurgence, including being part of both the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy winning squads, gives him the edge. His rare left-arm wrist spin also provides a unique advantage that right-arm leg-spinners like Chahal cannot offer.

9. Playing Style Analysis

Batting Technique

Kuldeep is primarily a bowler, but he has shown improvement with the bat. As a left-handed batsman, he usually bats at number 10 or 11. His batting strike rate in T20Is (100.00) shows he can hit the ball when needed.

Bowling Style – The Chinaman Mystery

Kuldeep’s primary weapon is his left-arm wrist spin, also known as “Chinaman” bowling. This makes him one of the rarest cricketers in the world.

Key Variations:

Stock Ball: Spins away from right-handed batsmen
Googly: His most deceptive delivery – spins into right-handers
Flipper: Skids through quickly
Topspinner: Dips sharply with extra bounce

Bowling Characteristics:

Flight and Drift: Exceptional ability to deceive batsmen in the air
Slow Through the Air: Makes it difficult for batsmen to read the length early
Variations: Can bowl up to 6-7 different deliveries
Control: Improved economy rate after 2022, showing better control

Kuldeep worked on his bowling, adding pace, while still getting plenty of overspin to extract bounce and turn from the surface.

Fielding Abilities

Kuldeep is a reliable fielder, usually positioned in the deep or at point. While not known for spectacular catches, he is safe and contributes well in stopping boundaries.

Strengths

Rare Bowling Style: Left-arm wrist spin is extremely uncommon
Deceptive Variations: Can bowl multiple variations that look similar
Match-Winner: Ability to take wickets in clusters
Improved Economy: Better control in middle overs after 2022
Mental Resilience: Bounced back strongly after difficult periods

Weaknesses

Can Be Expensive: When conditions don’t suit or batsmen attack him
Requires Support: Works best when there’s turn available
Lower-Order Batsman: Limited batting ability
Test Opportunities: Limited chances due to competition with Ashwin and Jadeja

Expert Opinions

Legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram, who coached Kuldeep at KKR, praised him saying: “Leg-spinner, googly, flipper. Even I can’t read him sitting here. Even with a replay, it’s impossible.”

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted Kuldeep to be India’s No.1 spinner across formats, especially in overseas conditions.

10. Achievements & Awards

International Awards

ICC Awards:

ICC Men’s Player of the Month – September 2023 (for Asia Cup performance)

Player of Series/Match Awards:

Asia Cup 2023: Player of the Tournament (9 wickets)
Multiple Player of the Match awards in ODIs and T20Is

National Honors

Currently, Kuldeep hasn’t received Padma Awards or Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, but given his contributions to India’s ICC title wins, he may be considered for these honors in the future.

Records Held

First Indian bowler to take two hat-tricks in ODI cricket (vs Australia 2017, vs West Indies 2019)
Best bowling figures by a left-arm spin bowler in ODI history – 6/25 vs England (July 2018)
Fastest Indian spinner to 100 ODI wickets – 58 innings (January 2020)
Quickest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets – 88 matches (September 2023), surpassing Anil Kumble
First Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in U-19 World Cup – vs Scotland (2014)
First left-arm wrist-spin bowler to take five wickets in a T20I (July 2018)
Fifth Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in ODIs (Asia Cup 2023)
Most successful left-arm wrist spinner in IPL history

IPL Awards

Player of the Match: 4 times in IPL 2022 season
100 IPL Wickets Club: Reached milestone in IPL 2025

ICC Tournament Success

2024 T20 World Cup: Winner 🏆
2025 Champions Trophy: Winner 🏆
2018 Asia Cup: Joint-highest wicket-taker (10 wickets)
2023 Asia Cup: Player of the Tournament
2023 ODI World Cup: Finalist (15 wickets)

11. Net Worth & Earnings

💰 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Year	Net Worth (Est.)
2023	₹32 Crore
2024	₹40 Crore
2025-26	₹50 Crore

Income Sources

BCCI Contract

Category: Grade B
Annual Retainer: ₹3 Crore
Test Match Fee: ₹15 Lakh per match
ODI Match Fee: ₹6 Lakh per match
T20I Match Fee: ₹3 Lakh per match

IPL Salary Evolution

Year	Team	Salary
2012	Mumbai Indians	₹10 Lakh
2014-2017	Kolkata Knight Riders	₹40 Lakh
2018-2021	Kolkata Knight Riders	₹5.8 Crore
2022-2024	Delhi Capitals	₹2 Crore
2025-2026	Delhi Capitals	₹13.25 Crore

Total IPL Earnings: Approximately ₹31 Crore+

Brand Endorsements

Kuldeep’s key partnerships include Adidas, Real11, Birla Opus Paints, Zebronics, Flo Mattress, RIZZ, Oppo, Ace Money Transfer, Fan Craze, and SG. He has also been featured in public awareness campaigns for the Uttar Pradesh Election Commission.

Annual Endorsement Income: ₹6 Crore (approx.)

Business Ventures

Kuldeep runs a YouTube channel started in August 2025, focused on football content. While earnings are not disclosed, it shows his interests beyond cricket.

Brand Endorsements Details

Brand	Category	Role
Adidas	Sportswear	Brand Ambassador
Real11	Fantasy Sports	Brand Ambassador
Birla Opus Paints	Home Improvement	Brand Endorser
Zebronics	Electronics	Brand Endorser
Flo Mattress	Lifestyle	Brand Endorser
RIZZ	Personal Care	Brand Endorser
Oppo	Mobile Phones	Brand Endorser
SG (Sanspareils Greenlands)	Cricket Equipment	Brand Endorser
Ace Money Transfer	Fintech	Brand Endorser
Fan Craze	NFT Platform	Brand Endorser
Uttar Pradesh Election Commission	Public Service	Brand Ambassador

Brand Links:

12. Lifestyle Section

🏠 ASSETS & LIFESTYLE

Properties

Primary Residence:

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Type: Luxurious House
Estimated Value: ₹2 Crore (approx.)
Features: Spacious layout with modern interiors and premium furnishings

Other Properties:

Apartment in Unnao (childhood home area)
Additional real estate investments across India

Cars Collection

Car Model	Estimated Price
Mercedes-Benz GLE	₹90 Lakh – ₹1.2 Crore
Audi A6	₹60 – 75 Lakh
Ford EcoSport	₹10 – 12 Lakh
Toyota Fortuner	₹35 – 40 Lakh

Kuldeep’s car collection reflects a blend of luxury and practicality, with German engineering and reliable SUVs.

Hobbies

Football: Outside of cricket, Kuldeep has a keen interest in football, and is a fan of La Liga club FC Barcelona. He has mentioned being interested in starting football academies in India in the future. Kuldeep started a YouTube channel in August 2025, where he posts content centred around football.
Painting: Since childhood, Kuldeep was a passionate painter, and he often shares his painting works on social media.
Pet Lover: Kuldeep owns two pet dogs, and he often shares his pet dogs’ photos on social media.
Traveling: Enjoys exploring new destinations during off-season breaks
Spending Time with Family: Values quality time with his parents and sisters

Diet & Fitness

Workout Routine:

Regular gym sessions focusing on core strength and flexibility
Yoga and stretching exercises for bowling fitness
Cardio workouts to maintain stamina
Specialized bowling training with coaches

Diet Preferences:

Prefers home-cooked North Indian meals
Follows a balanced diet with high protein intake
Focuses on hydration during playing season
Avoids junk food during cricket season
Occasional cheat meals with family favorites

13. Physical Appearance

Attribute	Details
Height	5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight	61 kg (134 lbs)
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Body Type	Athletic/Lean
Distinguishing Features	Youthful appearance, bright smile

Despite his relatively shorter stature compared to many modern cricketers, Kuldeep has proven that skill and technique matter more than physical size in cricket, especially for spin bowlers.

14. Coaches & Mentors

Childhood Coach

Kapil Pandey – Rovers Cricket Academy, Kanpur

Kapil Pandey is the person who identified Kuldeep’s potential as a wrist spinner when young Kuldeep came to him wanting to be a fast bowler. Pandey saw something special in the way Kuldeep turned the ball and convinced him to become a chinaman bowler. This decision changed Kuldeep’s life forever. Kuldeep has consistently credited Pandey for his success.

Professional Coaches & Mentors

Wasim Akram (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Worked with Kuldeep during his KKR days
Helped refine his variations and control
Praised Kuldeep’s deceptive bowling
Quote: “Even I can’t read him sitting here. Even with a replay, it’s impossible.”

Rahul Dravid (India Coach 2021-2024)

Supported Kuldeep during his comeback phase
Gave him consistent opportunities in 2023
Helped rebuild his confidence after difficult years

Gautam Gambhir (Former KKR Captain)

Backed Kuldeep during his early IPL years
Gave him crucial opportunities to shine
Built his confidence as a match-winner

Brad Hogg (Former Australian Chinaman Bowler)

Kuldeep has mentioned learning from watching Brad Hogg’s bowling
Studied his variations and grip techniques

Training Philosophy

Kuldeep believes in:

Continuous Learning: Always studying videos of great spinners
Variation Practice: Spending hours perfecting each delivery
Mental Strength: Working on staying calm under pressure
Fitness First: Understanding that flexibility is crucial for wrist spinners
Self-Belief: Never giving up despite setbacks

15. Jersey Number History

Team	Jersey Number	Years
India (All Formats)	23	2017 – Present
Delhi Capitals	23	2022 – Present
Kolkata Knight Riders	23	2016 – 2021
Uttar Pradesh	23	2016 – Present

Kuldeep has consistently worn jersey number 23 throughout his career across all teams and formats. This number has become synonymous with his identity as India’s premier left-arm wrist spinner.

16. Controversies & Challenges

Career Low Phase (2019-2021)

After a spectacular 2018 season, Kuldeep faced his biggest challenge. Between 2019 and 2021, he struggled with form, fitness, and mental health.

What Went Wrong:

Batsmen started reading him better
Lost his spot in playing XI across formats
Suffered a knee injury requiring surgery in 2021
Admitted to facing depression during this period

The Dark Phase:

Kuldeep openly discussed his mental health struggles during this period. He revealed considering quitting cricket and having suicidal thoughts when he wasn’t getting opportunities. This was reminiscent of his earlier struggle when he wasn’t selected for UP’s U-15 team.

On-Field Incidents

IPL 2019-2020 Struggles:

Went for runs in several matches
Lost confidence and variations
Was dropped from KKR playing XI
Relationship with team management reportedly strained

Limited Opportunities:

Despite being a proven match-winner, Kuldeep found himself on the bench for extended periods, both for India and KKR. This lack of game time affected his rhythm and confidence.

How He Overcame Challenges

Professional Help: Sought mental health support during difficult times
Family Support: His family, especially his mother and father, stood by him
Coach Guidance: Kapil Pandey’s continuous encouragement
Knee Surgery: Underwent successful surgery in 2021 to fix physical issues
New Beginning: Move to Delhi Capitals in 2022 gave him a fresh start
Technical Improvements: Worked on adding pace and improving control
Self-Belief: Never stopped believing in his abilities

Public Response & Lessons Learned

The cricket fraternity rallied behind Kuldeep during his struggles. Former players and experts spoke about the importance of giving match-winners consistent opportunities.

Lessons Learned:

Mental health is as important as physical fitness
Persistence pays off – never give up
Support systems are crucial during difficult times
Form is temporary, class is permanent
Comeback stories inspire millions

Kuldeep’s resurgence in 2023-2025, culminating in two ICC title wins, is one of cricket’s greatest comeback stories.

17. Charity & Philanthropy

While Kuldeep hasn’t established a formal foundation yet, he has been involved in various charitable activities:

Social Causes Supported

1. Mental Health Awareness

Openly discusses his struggles to help others
Advocates for seeking professional help
Uses his platform to destigmatize mental health issues

2. Uttar Pradesh Development

Works with UP Election Commission as brand ambassador
Encourages youth participation in democratic processes
Promotes sports infrastructure in his home state

3. Cricket Development in Tier-2 Cities

Supports grassroots cricket in Kanpur
Inspiration for young cricketers from smaller cities
Mentors young spinners informally

4. Public Awareness Campaigns

Part of various government initiatives
Promotes health and wellness
Educational campaigns in rural areas

Major Initiatives

While specific donation amounts aren’t publicly disclosed, Kuldeep has:

Contributed to COVID-19 relief efforts
Supported local cricket academies in Uttar Pradesh
Helped underprivileged children get cricket equipment
Participated in charity cricket matches

As his career progresses and net worth grows, it’s expected that Kuldeep will formalize his philanthropic efforts through a foundation or trust.

18. Personal Interests

Category	Favorites
Food	Home-cooked North Indian cuisine, Paneer dishes, Biryani
Movie	Bollywood action and sports films
Actor	Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh
Actress	Deepika Padukone
Singer	Arijit Singh, A.R. Rahman
Travel Destination	Barcelona (Spain), Dubai, Australia
Book	Biographies of sportspersons
Sport (other)	Football (FC Barcelona fan)
Football Player	Lionel Messi
Cricket Idol	Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Zaheer Khan
Hobby	Painting, watching football matches
Color	Blue
Music Genre	Bollywood, Punjabi songs
Vacation Style	Beach destinations, European cities

19. Social Media Presence

Platform	Handle	Followers	Official Link
Instagram	@kuldeep_yadav18	4.2 Million+	Visit Profile
Twitter/X	@imkuldeep18	1.8 Million+	Visit Profile
Facebook	Kuldeep Yadav Official	850K+	Visit Page
YouTube	Kuldeep Yadav	50K+	Visit Channel

Social Media Activity

Kuldeep is quite active on social media, especially Instagram, where he shares:

Match moments and celebrations
Training videos and practice sessions
Family moments and personal life glimpses
Pet dogs’ adorable pictures
Paintings and artwork
Motivational messages
Brand endorsement content
Engagement announcement with fiancée Vanshika

His social media presence shows a perfect blend of professional cricket content and personal life moments, making him relatable to millions of fans.

20. Recent News & Updates (2025-2026)

Latest Performances

Champions Trophy 2025 Winner: Kuldeep played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, adding another ICC trophy to his cabinet after the 2024 T20 World Cup victory.

Test Cricket Comeback: After limited opportunities in Tests, Kuldeep has cemented his place as India’s go-to spinner in overseas conditions, especially in England and Australia.

Current Form (January 2026):

Leading wicket-taker for India in recent series
Consistent performances across all formats
Key player in India’s spin attack alongside Ravindra Jadeja

Personal Life Milestone

Engagement Announcement (2025): Kuldeep Yadav got engaged to his childhood friend Vanshika, who works as an LIC officer. The couple announced their engagement in 2025, delighting fans. Wedding plans are expected to be announced soon.

Delhi Capitals Retention

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Delhi Capitals showed immense faith in Kuldeep by retaining him for ₹13.25 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This represents a massive jump from his ₹2 crore salary and validates his performances over the past seasons.

Records & Achievements

Crossed 190 ODI wickets, becoming one of India’s most successful ODI spinners
Approaching 100 T20I wickets milestone
Became one of the highest-paid spinners in IPL history

Upcoming Series & Events

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025-26: Expected to play a key role in India’s upcoming tour to Australia

IPL 2026: Will lead Delhi Capitals’ spin attack with increased responsibility

T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation: Key member of India’s spin department for the upcoming World Cup

Interviews & Media Appearances

Kuldeep has been featured in several podcasts and interviews discussing:

His comeback story and mental health journey
Technical aspects of chinaman bowling
Future of spin bowling in India
His passion for football and other interests
Balancing personal life and international cricket

Injury Updates

Current Status (January 2026): Fully fit and available for selection

Kuldeep has maintained good fitness since recovering from his 2021 knee surgery, focusing on flexibility exercises and strength training to prevent future injuries.

21. Lesser-Known Facts

Almost Gave Up Cricket: Kuldeep considered suicide and quitting cricket when he wasn’t selected for UP’s U-15 team. His father’s support kept him going.
Wanted to Be a Fast Bowler: Initially aspired to become a left-arm fast bowler like Wasim Akram and Zaheer Khan, not a spinner.
Coach’s Insistence Changed His Life: His coach Kapil Pandey insisted he become a wrist spinner because of his slight build, a decision that created history.
Shane Warne’s Student: Spent countless hours watching Shane Warne’s videos to learn the art of wrist spin, studying his grip, length, and use of crease.
First Indian U-19 Hat-trick: Took the first-ever hat-trick by an Indian bowler in U-19 World Cup history against Scotland in 2014.
Depression Battle: Openly discussed facing depression during 2019-2021 when he lost his place in playing XIs and suffered injuries.
Barcelona Fan: Passionate about FC Barcelona and started a YouTube channel in 2025 focused entirely on football content.
Talented Painter: Has been painting since childhood and regularly shares his artwork on social media. It’s one of his stress-relieving activities.
Pet Parent: Owns two adorable pet dogs and frequently posts their pictures on Instagram, showing his softer side.
Childhood Friend Fiancée: His fiancée Vanshika has been his friend since childhood, and she works as an LIC officer, maintaining her career despite his fame.
Mumbai Indians’ Loss: Was first picked by Mumbai Indians in 2012 but never played a single match for them before being released.
Rarest Breed: Only 3-4 left-arm wrist spinners have played international cricket in the last 30 years, making Kuldeep extremely rare.
Fastest Indian Spinner to Milestones: Holds records for fastest Indian spinner to both 100 ODI wickets (58 innings) and 150 ODI wickets (88 matches).
Two ICC Titles in Two Years: Won back-to-back ICC titles – 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Family First: Despite his fame and success, Kuldeep lives with his family in Kanpur and remains extremely grounded, often seen at his childhood home.

22. FAQs

Q1: Who is Kuldeep Yadav?

A: Kuldeep Yadav is an Indian international cricketer born on December 14, 1994, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. He is a left-arm unorthodox wrist spinner who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He is one of the rarest chinaman bowlers in world cricket and has won the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy with India.

Q2: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s net worth in 2026?

A: Kuldeep Yadav’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹50 crore (around $6 million) as of 2026. His income sources include a BCCI Grade B contract (₹3 crore annually), IPL salary of ₹13.25 crore, and brand endorsements worth ₹6 crore per year.

Q3: How did Kuldeep Yadav start his cricket career?

A: Kuldeep Yadav started cricket wanting to be a fast bowler like Wasim Akram. However, his coach Kapil Pandey at Rovers Cricket Academy in Kanpur saw his natural ability to spin the ball and convinced him to become a left-arm wrist spinner (chinaman bowler), which changed his life forever.

Q4: Is Kuldeep Yadav married?

A: No, Kuldeep Yadav is not married yet but is engaged to his childhood friend Vanshika, who works as an LIC officer. The couple announced their engagement in 2025, and wedding plans are expected to be revealed soon.

Q5: What records does Kuldeep Yadav hold?

A: Kuldeep Yadav holds several prestigious records:

First Indian bowler to take two hat-tricks in ODI cricket (2017 vs Australia, 2019 vs West Indies)
Best bowling figures by a left-arm spinner in ODI history (6/25 vs England)
Fastest Indian spinner to 100 ODI wickets (58 innings)
Fastest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets (88 matches)
First left-arm wrist spinner to take five wickets in a T20I
First Indian to take hat-trick in U-19 World Cup

Q6: Which IPL team does Kuldeep Yadav play for in 2026?

A: Kuldeep Yadav plays for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. He joined DC in 2022 after six seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders. Delhi Capitals retained him for ₹13.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025, making him one of the highest-paid spinners in IPL history.

Q7: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s highest score?

A: Kuldeep Yadav’s highest score in international cricket is 27 runs in Test cricket. As a specialist bowler who bats at number 10 or 11, his highest ODI score is 25 runs, and in T20Is it is 12 not out. In the IPL, his highest score is 26 runs.

Q8: How many wickets has Kuldeep Yadav taken?

A: As of January 2026, Kuldeep Yadav has taken:

Test Cricket: 76 wickets in 17 matches
ODI Cricket: 191 wickets in 117 matches
T20I Cricket: 90 wickets in 50 matches
IPL: 102 wickets in 83 matches

He is one of India’s most successful spinners across formats.

Q9: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling style?

A: Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm unorthodox wrist spinner, also known as a “chinaman” bowler. He bowls with his left hand and spins the ball with his wrist, making him one of the rarest types of bowlers in world cricket. His variations include the stock ball, googly, flipper, and topspinner.

Q10: Which brands does Kuldeep Yadav endorse?

A: Kuldeep Yadav endorses multiple brands including Adidas (sportswear), Real11 (fantasy sports), Birla Opus Paints, Zebronics (electronics), Flo Mattress, RIZZ (personal care), Oppo (mobile phones), SG Cricket Equipment, Ace Money Transfer, and Fan Craze. He also serves as brand ambassador for the Uttar Pradesh Election Commission.

Q11: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s jersey number?

A: Kuldeep Yadav wears jersey number 23 across all teams and formats, including the Indian national team, Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and his domestic team Uttar Pradesh. This number has become his signature throughout his career.

Q12: Has Kuldeep Yadav won any World Cups?

A: Yes, Kuldeep Yadav has won two ICC titles:

2024 T20 World Cup – Won with Team India
2025 Champions Trophy – Won with Team India

He was also part of the Indian squad that reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Q13: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL salary?

A: Kuldeep Yadav’s current IPL salary with Delhi Capitals is ₹13.25 crore for the 2025-2026 seasons. This represents a massive increase from his previous ₹2 crore salary and reflects his outstanding performances in recent IPL seasons, particularly his 21-wicket haul in IPL 2022.

Q14: Where is Kuldeep Yadav from?

A: Kuldeep Yadav is from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, though he was born in nearby Unnao. He grew up in Kanpur where he trained at the Rovers Cricket Academy under coach Kapil Pandey. Despite his international success, he still lives with his family in Kanpur.

Q15: What are Kuldeep Yadav’s hobbies?

A: Kuldeep Yadav’s main hobbies include:

Football – He’s a passionate FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi fan, even starting a YouTube channel for football content
Painting – He has been painting since childhood and shares his artwork on social media
Pet Care – He owns two pet dogs
Traveling – Enjoys exploring new destinations during breaks

23. Conclusion

Kuldeep Yadav’s journey from a brick kiln owner’s son in Kanpur to becoming one of the world’s most feared spinners is nothing short of inspirational. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and unwavering family support.

Career Summary

With 76 Test wickets, 191 ODI wickets, and 90 T20I wickets, Kuldeep has established himself as a match-winner across all formats. His rare left-arm wrist spin has bamboozled batsmen worldwide, earning him records that will stand the test of time. From taking India’s first U-19 World Cup hat-trick to becoming the first Indian bowler with two ODI hat-tricks, Kuldeep has written his name in cricket’s history books.

The past few years have been particularly rewarding – winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, becoming Delhi Capitals’ highest-retained player at ₹13.25 crore, and getting engaged to his childhood friend Vanshika. His net worth of ₹50 crore reflects both his on-field success and growing brand value.

Legacy & Impact

Kuldeep’s impact goes beyond statistics. His comeback story from depression and career lows to ICC glory has inspired millions. By openly discussing mental health struggles, he has helped destigmatize these issues in Indian sports. His success has also reignited interest in wrist spin bowling among young cricketers.

As one of the rarest left-arm wrist spinners in cricket history, Kuldeep has shown that uniqueness combined with skill creates an unbeatable combination. His influence on aspiring cricketers from tier-2 cities across India cannot be overstated – he proves that talent and dedication can overcome any geographical or economic barrier.

Future Predictions

At 31, Kuldeep is entering his prime years as a spinner. With his improved fitness, refined variations, and mental strength, he has at least 4-5 years of peak performance ahead. Predictions for Kuldeep’s future:

Will surpass 250 ODI wickets, potentially becoming one of India’s top three ODI wicket-takers
Key player in 2026 T20 World Cup and future ICC tournaments
Could captain Delhi Capitals given his experience and stature
Will reach 100+ Test wickets if given consistent opportunities
Brand value could touch ₹100 crore within 3 years
Might establish his own cricket academy in Kanpur post-retirement
Could receive national honors like Padma Shri for contributions to Indian cricket

The coming years could see Kuldeep cement his legacy as one of India’s greatest spinners across formats, standing alongside legends like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

Final Thoughts

Kuldeep Yadav embodies the modern Indian cricketer – talented, resilient, and grounded. From contemplating suicide during career lows to winning ICC titles and earning ₹13.25 crore in IPL, his journey teaches us that setbacks are temporary but talent is permanent.

His engagement to Vanshika shows that success hasn’t changed his values – he remains the same Kanpur boy who values family, friendships, and simple pleasures like painting and watching football. As he continues to bamboozle batsmen with his chinaman magic, Kuldeep Yadav’s story will inspire generations of cricketers to never give up on their dreams.

Whether you’re a Virat Kohli fan who appreciates aggressive batting, a Jasprit Bumrah admirer who loves pace bowling, or someone who follows Rohit Sharma‘s elegant strokeplay, you cannot help but respect Kuldeep Yadav’s unique artistry and remarkable comeback story.

📢 Share Your Thoughts!

What’s your favorite Kuldeep Yadav moment? Was it his 6/25 against England, his hat-tricks, or his Asia Cup 2023 dominance? Share your views in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with fellow cricket fans!

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