- Full Name: Kuldeep Yadav
- Nickname: KD, Chinaman
- Date of Birth: December 14, 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Profession: Professional Cricketer
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Left-arm unorthodox spin (Chinaman)
- Role in Team: Bowler
- Net Worth: Estimated ₹25–30 crore INR (approx. $3–3.5 million USD)
Early Life and Background
Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on December 14, 1994, Kuldeep Yadav came from a modest yet loving family. At first, Kuldeep wanted to be a fast bowler, and his father, Ram Singh Yadav, ran a brick kiln. He was urged to transition to left-arm wrist spin, a rare skill known as chinaman bowling, by his coach, Kapil Pandey, who recognised his potential as a spinner.
The modification turned into a game-changer. Kuldeep became one of the few chinaman bowlers in international cricket after studying Shane Warne’s bowling films and mastering variations such the googly, flipper, and top-spinner.
After rising through the Uttar Pradesh cricket levels, he was selected for the India U-19 squad and gained notoriety after winning a hat-trick at the 2014 U-19 World Cup.
Domestic Career
Kuldeep made his First-Class debut in 2014 after starting his domestic career with Uttar Pradesh. In the home circuit, he was a remarkable spinner because to his control, flying, and variety.
He was selected for the national squad as a result of his steady performance in the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was one of India’s best spin players because of his ability to bowl for extended periods of time, take wickets, and surprise hitters.
IPL Career
In 2012, Kuldeep Yadav joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the IPL, however he never played. When he joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2014, he made his breakthrough.
Highlights:
- became the primary spinner for KKR from 2016 to 2019.
- renowned for his ability to take wickets and his enigmatic deliveries.
- claimed notable wickets from well-known players including Kane Williamson, AB de Villiers, and MS Dhoni.
He joined the Delhi Capitals in 2022 when his form declined and he had little opportunities. There, he took important wickets and won Player of the Match accolades, reviving his IPL career.
International Career
On June 23, 2017, Kuldeep Yadav played his first One-Day International (ODI) match against the West Indies. On March 25, 2017, he played his first Test match against Australia. Later, in July 2017, he made his T20I debut.
Career Highlights:
- The first bowler from India to record two hat-tricks in ODIs.
- One of the few bowlers from India to claim five wickets in each of the game’s three forms.
- Key spinner for India’s 2018 trips of South Africa, New Zealand, and England.
- frequently joined by Yuzvendra Chahal as the well-known spin combo “KulCha.”
In recent years, he has significantly improved his control, which has earned him a regular place in India’s white-ball squads. He has continuously challenged hitters with his trickery.
Playing Style
Kuldeep Yadav is a rare bowler who excels in all forms because to his left-arm wrist spinner technique. What makes him strong is:
- Sharp eyes
- Deliveries via air
- Changing angles and speeds
Even though he is not very good at hitting, he has made useful runs down the order and is renowned for tricking hitters in the air.
He is a great wicket-taking weapon in both T20s and ODIs because of his ability to outsmart elite hitters with subtle variations.
Personal Life
Kuldeep Yadav is a calm, reasonable individual. Despite his ascent to fame, he remains close to his family in Kanpur and often credits his parents and coach for his achievements.
He is now single, concentrating only on his cricket career, and is not publicly linked to any relationships. When Kuldeep is not playing, he enjoys watching films, listening to music, and spending time with his cherished pets.
Kuldeep, who avoids controversy and leads a tranquil life, is well-known for his humility. On social media, he often shares updates, engages with followers, and displays his training and fitness regimens.
Kuldeep has talked about the emotional highs and lows of his career, particularly when he lost form in 2020–2021, emphasising the significance of perseverance and hard effort. He also emphasises mental health.
Legacy and Impact
Kuldeep Yadav’s uncommon chinaman bowling has helped him carve out a space for himself in contemporary cricket. In international cricket, he is one of the few players who uses left-arm wrist spin. He has:
- influenced a new wave of Indian wrist spinners.
- delivered in a variety of formats under pressure.
- showed remarkable mental toughness by recovering from losses and winning back national selection.
He is still a crucial part of India’s limited-overs system and is still a strong candidate for the ICC championships in 2025. He has the potential to be among the most successful spin bowlers in Indian cricket history if he continues to be reliable.
