Kuldeep Yadav: Player Profile of India’s Left-Arm Wrist Spinner

Kuldeep Yadav is one of the few left-arm wrist spinners to have succeeded at the top level. His unusual style of bowling, often known as chinaman, has confused batters and brought him wickets in all three formats for India.

Early life and rise

Born in Kanpur in 1994, Kuldeep began as a fast bowler before a coach encouraged him to turn to spin. He played for Uttar Pradesh and drew attention at youth level. He then entered the Indian Premier League with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Playing style

A left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep turns the ball from right to left for a right-handed batter with his stock delivery, and mixes this with a googly that turns the other way. He uses flight, drift and subtle changes of pace, and he has worked hard on his control. He bats left-handed, usually in the lower order.

Career highlights

He made his Test debut in March 2017 against Australia in Dharamsala, and soon became part of the limited-overs side alongside Yuzvendra Chahal, forming a successful wrist-spin partnership in the middle overs. He has taken two hat-tricks in ODIs, against Australia in Kolkata in 2017 and against West Indies in Visakhapatnam in 2019.

He has been a member of India squads at several ICC events, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2024, which India won.

Setbacks and returns

Kuldeep lost his place in the side for a period, following a dip in form and changes in team selection. He worked on his rhythm and returned to the squad stronger, becoming a regular in the Indian limited-overs side again.

Legacy

Kuldeep has popularised a rare skill and made left-arm wrist spin a serious weapon for India. His story is one of reinvention, from a young fast bowler to a leading spinner.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling style?

He bowls left-arm wrist spin, often called chinaman, with a googly as his main variation.

How many ODI hat-tricks has Kuldeep Yadav taken?

He has taken two, against Australia in Kolkata in 2017 and against West Indies in Visakhapatnam in 2019.

When did Kuldeep make his Test debut?

He made his Test debut for India in March 2017 against Australia in Dharamsala.