Kuldeep Yadav, an unconventional left-arm wrist spinner on December 14, 1994 has established himself as a match-winner for India. Since debuting in all formats in 2017 he has completed two ODI hat tricks, labeled the fastest Indian spinner to 100 ODI wickets, and passed 300 international wickets during the Champions Trophy 2025 when played in India.
He was also a key player in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy and is in the IPL with Delhi Capitals which he led in wickets taken in 2025 with his short googlies and disciplined length. Off the field he was recently engaged to his childhood friend Vanshika back in Lucknow .
One of the few Chinaman bowlers to have had a significant effect on the international scene, Kuldeep Yadav is a unique breed in Indian cricket. Kuldeep has become one of India’s most intriguing and promising spinners in contemporary cricket thanks to his cunning variations and two-way ball spin.
Kuldeep’s path from modest origins in Uttar Pradesh to wearing the Indian blue jersey has been characterised by talent, tenacity, and an intense love for the game. Every aspect of his life is covered in this blog, from his early years to his professional achievements.
Biography of Kuldeep Yadav:
- Real Name: Kuldeep Yadav
- Full Name: Kuldeep Yadav
- Nickname: KD
- Profession: Professional Cricketer (Bowler)
- Famous For: Being one of the very few left-arm wrist spinners in international cricket
- Best Performance: 6/25 against England in an ODI (2018)
- Salary: Approx ₹1 Crore (BCCI Central Contract Grade C)
- Monthly Income: ₹15-20 Lakhs (including IPL and endorsements)
- Website URL: Not Available
- Instagram Handle: @kuldeep_18
Physical Status
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Weight: 61 kg
- Body Measurements: Chest – 38 inches, Waist – 30 inches, Biceps – 13 inches
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Personal Life
- Date Of Birth: December 14, 1994
- Place Of Birth: Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- School: Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School, Kanpur
- College: Not Publicly Known
- Highest Education Qualification: Higher Secondary
Family Statistics:
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Wife: N/A
- Children: N/A
- Parents: Father – Ram Singh Yadav (Brick kiln owner), Mother – Usha Yadav
- Siblings: Three sisters (names not widely known)
- Religion: Hindu
- Other Hobbies: Watching football, swimming, listening to music
Early Life of Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Yadav grew up in Kanpur after being born into a modest household in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. He had a deep love for cricket from an early age and would frequently practise for hours on end with great concentration. His father saw his potential and put him in a Kanpur cricket academy to help develop it.
Kuldeep’s coach, Kapil Pandey, recognised something special in him and recommended that he try spin bowling instead of his original goal of becoming a fast bowler. Kuldeep accepted the challenge and started learning the skill of left-arm wrist spin, a unique and intricate bowling technique, after taking the instruction to heart. He was greatly influenced by the renowned Shane Warne, and he would watch his movies, imitating his methods and picking up the nuances of wrist spin. Kuldeep started an incredible journey in the realm of spin bowling with his perseverance and developing skill set, which soon helped him stand out in junior cricket.
Education of Kuldeep Yadav:
Even though Kuldeep Yadav spent the majority of his time and energy playing cricket, he was able to combine his studies in his early years. He completed his high school studies at Kanpur’s Karam Devi Memorial Academy. But as his love and aptitude for cricket increased, he decided against going to college and instead concentrated solely on establishing a career as a professional cricket player.
Financial difficulties were a part of the journey because he came from a modest home, but his parents were there for him no matter what, providing constant support. To make sure he could go to the right training and get the direction he required, they made sacrifices. Kuldeep’s choice to focus on cricket paid off, as his skill started to show. His narrative is one of perseverance, where he neglected his education to develop a unique athletic talent. His family’s encouragement was essential to his achievement.
Kuldeep Yadav: Cricket Journey
Journey in the IPL and Domestic
In 2014, Kuldeep Yadav made his debut in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. He made headlines with a hat-trick against Scotland in the 2014 U-19 World Cup, and his steady performances won him a position in the India U-19 squad. He was initially selected by the Mumbai Indians in the 2012 Indian Premier League, but he never played. In 2014, he was selected by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who gave him his big break.
He thrived and established himself as a vital member of the team under the guidance of Wasim Akram and the tutelage of Gautam Gambhir. Kuldeep was useful because of his capacity to take wickets in the middle overs. He was acquired by the Delhi Capitals in the 2022 IPL mega auction, where he recovered his confidence and form to rank among the team’s top wicket-takers.
International Career:
In March 2017, Kuldeep made his Test debut in Dharamsala against Australia, and he immediately made an impression by taking four vital wickets. In June 2017, he made his ODI debut against the West Indies, showing off his skill by taking three wickets. He made his T20 debut against the same opposition a few months later.
When Kuldeep stunned the English batters with a six-wicket haul in an ODI during the 2018 England trip, it was one of his most memorable moments. Additionally, against Australia (2017) and the West Indies (2019), he became the first Indian spinner to record two hat-tricks in One-Day Internationals. He has continued to play reliably in all forms and was crucial to India’s World Cup campaign in 2019.
Injuries and Comebacks:
Kuldeep Yadav went through one of the most difficult times in his career between 2020 and 2021. In addition to struggling with poor form and little playing time, he had a serious setback in 2021 when he had a knee injury that necessitated surgery and kept him out of commission for several months. His potential to make a successful comeback was questioned during this time, particularly in light of the intense competition from other up-and-coming spinners in the Indian circuit. Kuldeep, however, demonstrated incredible tenacity and resolve.
He recovered his rhythm and put on outstanding performances while playing for the Delhi Capitals in the 2022 Indian Premier League. He was called up to the Indian national squad because of his impressive play. Kuldeep really made a comeback as a crucial match-winner in 2023 and the first part of 2024, excelling in high-stakes competitions like the Asia Cup and the ICC ODI World Cup. His recovery story is evidence of his perseverance, talent, and unwavering determination under duress.
Personal Life:
Kuldeep Yadav is well known for being humble and soft-spoken, qualities that have gained him admiration on and off the pitch. Despite his ascent to global renown, he maintains a strong commitment to his family’s values and frequently discusses how his father influenced his cricket career. Kuldeep views his father as his greatest ally and source of courage.
Kuldeep has continuously kept a low profile and kept his emphasis squarely on cricket, never publicly confirming any romances, despite the media’s speculation about his personal life and the names they have associated him with. He has a straightforward and easygoing existence away from the cricket pitch. He is a devoted Real Madrid supporter and ardent football fan. He finds that playing video games and listening to music help him relax in his free time. Kuldeep is still adored by both peers and fans for his grounded demeanour.
Career Statistics:
- Test Debut:
On March 25, 2017, Kuldeep Yadav played his first Test match in Dharamsala against Australia. He made an immediate impression as a rare left-arm wrist spinner in international cricket after taking four wickets in the first innings of a memorable encounter. His promise in the lengthier format was demonstrated by his ability to trick batsmen with flight and turn. Since Kuldeep’s performance helped India win the series, this debut was noteworthy because it took place during a pivotal series-deciding match. It made him a dependable Test spinner who could perform well under duress on important occasions.
- ODI Debut:
On June 23, 2017, Kuldeep Yadav made his One Day International (ODI) debut at Port of Spain against the West Indies. He took three wickets in that contest and dazzled everyone with his control and variety. In the middle overs, his wrist spin was useful in upsetting the rhythm of the opposing batsman. After making his debut, he went on to have a very successful ODI career, reaching milestones like hat-tricks and several five-wicket hauls. Kuldeep was essential in multiple series victories both domestically and overseas and soon established himself as a key member of India’s limited-overs bowling assault.
- T20 Debut:
On July 9, 2017, Kuldeep made his T20 International debut in Kingston, Jamaica, against the West Indies as well. Despite T20’s reputation as a batsman-friendly game, Kuldeep’s deft wrist spin worked well. Although he didn’t take many wickets in his debut, his economical bowling and astute variations demonstrated his T20 promise. He developed into a good T20I bowler over time, with a reputation for claiming wickets in the middle overs. India was able to control games thanks to his ability in this style, particularly during high-pressure chases. His debut signalled the beginning of India’s multifaceted T20 career.
- IPL Debut:
Although he was first selected by the Mumbai Indians in 2012, Kuldeep Yadav did not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) until 2016, when he made his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under the guidance of Wasim Akram and Gautam Gambhir, he made his true IPL breakthrough. He attracted notice with his ability to take wickets and unconventional bowling in his first season with KKR. Kuldeep was able to refine his abilities against elite international players and perform under pressure thanks to the IPL platform. In limited-overs forms, it had a major role in his development, appeal, and eventual selection to the national team.
Achievements of Kuldeep Yadav:
- The first bowler from India to record two hat-tricks in ODIs.
- Indian bowler who has taken 100 ODI wickets the quickest.
- A member of the Indian team for the World Cup in 2019 and 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
- An important factor in India’s 2023 Asia Cup victory.
- Several victories in domestic and IPL cricket matches.
- ICC’s ODI Team of the Year featured
Here are Some of the Lesser-Known Facts about Kuldeep Yadav:
- When Kuldeep wasn’t picked for the U-15 team as a teenager, he nearly quit cricket.
- His transition from a fast bowler to a spinner was greatly aided by his childhood coach, Kapil Pandey.
- He even sobbed when the renowned leg-spinner died in 2022 since he was a hero of Shane Warne.
- During their 2014 trip, he was a net bowler for the senior Indian squad.
- One of the rare bowlers to have taken five wickets in each of the three formats is Kuldeep.
- Although he speaks Hindi well, he is a little bashful when interviewed in English.
- The “wrong’un” is his preferred delivery, and it has helped him take a lot of wickets.
- He enjoys swimming in his free time and is regarded as a good cricket impersonator.
- In the 2017–18 season, he was given the esteemed Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in Domestic Limited-Overs.
- A lion, a sign of strength and resolve, is inked on Kuldeep’s arm.
Transformation, perseverance, and faith in one’s individuality are themes in Kuldeep Yadav’s story. Kuldeep made a name for himself with his cunning and skill in a nation where wrist spinners are uncommon, particularly those with left arms. His path from a modest Uttar Pradesh hamlet to become India’s preferred spinner on the international scene is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering love for cricket. Cricket fans worldwide anticipate many more enchanted spells from this chinaman wizard as he develops as a player.
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