Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Rise

The Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav established himself in cricket by excelling in the matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ever since his IPL debut, Kuldeep has established his reputation as a key cricketer through an unusual bowling technique which features deadly googlies and strong variations.

This article delves into Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL career, his impact on his teams, and his evolution as a bowler.

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Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Journey

Mumbai Indians failed to use their player Kuldeep Yadav in competition matches during his debut IPL season of 2012. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) launched his professional cricket career in 2014, through which he obtained extensive match experience alongside playing time. Kuldeep established himself as an essential member of the KKR bowling side when he joined the team in 2014, up until his departure in 2021, through his successful partnership with Sunil Narine.

Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Teams

Throughout his IPL career, Kuldeep has represented three franchises, including the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals. The different teams each year helped Kuldeep improve as a cricketer by providing him with knowledge about cricket gameplay, apart from his progress as a bowler.

Mumbai Indians (2012)

Initial Selection: The Mumbai Indians team selected Kuldeep during their 2012 auction with a purchase amount of just INR 10 lakh. The team did not feature him as a player during his Mumbai Indians contract.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2021)

• IPL Debut: Kuldeep launched his IPL career by playing for KKR in 2016. During his time with the Mumbai Indians, he solidified his place in the team through his skillful abilities to both turn the ball aggressively and introduce unpredictable delivery variations.
• Key Performances: During 2017, Kuldeep showed signs of becoming a match-winning cricketer when he obtained 12 wickets from 12 matches. The Indian cricketer played 16 matches in 2018 while taking down 17 wickets, which improved his position in the team lineup.
• Fluctuating Form: During his tenure at KKR, Kuldeep faced numerous struggles with his bowling performance, even though he had great early success with the team. The cricket team decided to release Kuldeep before the 2022 IPL auction session.

Delhi Capitals (2022-Present)

• New Beginnings: The Delhi Capitals acquired Kuldeep in 2022 for INR 2 crore during the player auction. During this new phase of his IPL career, Kuldeep experienced improved performance in his game to reestablish himself as a leader in the league.
• Strong Comeback: Kuldeep pushed beyond 20 wickets in 14 matches and earned several awards for being the best player in his games during the 2022 IPL season. The remarkable bowling achievements resulted in the Delhi Capitals retaining him for the following seasons.
• Retention in 2025: Before the 2025 IPL started, Kuldeep underwent a substantial retention by Delhi Capitals for INR 13.25 crore, demonstrating their increasing team dependence on him.

Key Highlights of Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Career

Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact on His IPL Team

The IPL contribution of Kuldeep Yadav goes deeper than his match-taking abilities. Because of his match-winning abilities, Yadav becomes most dangerous when pitching during the middle overs when he restrains play through variation and critical wicket-taking. Through his leadership abilities, Yadav demonstrates mentorship to young team members, and he maintains a feeling of trust within the bowling unit.

Adaptability Across Venues

During IPL play, Kuldeep Yadav effectively adapted his performance between different stadium locations, which included using his batting-friendly skills at Delhi venues and his challenging abilities at Eden Gardens. Under intense match conditions during death overs, the team obtains substantial benefits from his exceptional play.

High-Pressure Situations

Kuldeep Yadav provides reliable match performances in important games. His exceptional bowling abilities and capacity to take important wickets represent essential factors that lead to successful team victories. His adaptability with the ball puts him at the top of his team’s selection list during critical periods.

Leadership and Team Contribution

The leadership capabilities of Kuldeep Yadav shine through his performance in addition to his batting achievements. Through his experience, Kuldeep Yadav helps junior players in his teams by sharing important knowledge and offering helpful support. When Kuldeep participates in the team, he produces meaningful impacts, which calm down the bowling attack while providing assurance to his teammates.

Conclusion

The career of Kuldeep Yadav at the Indian Premier League showcases both his special wrist-spinning talent along his ability to adapt to various situations. His career with KKR began before he joined Delhi Capitals, where he has maintained his status as an important bowler in IPL matches. Delhi Capitals decided to re-sign Kuldeep Yadav for a notable amount, which demonstrates both his rising role in the team along with his extended impact within Indian cricket.

FAQs 

Q1: Which team does Kuldeep Yadav currently play for in the IPL?
A1: Kuldeep Yadav currently plays for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He joined the team in 2022 and has been retained for subsequent seasons.

Q2: What was Kuldeep Yadav’s price in the 2025 IPL auction
A2: Kuldeep Yadav was retained by Delhi Capitals for INR 13.25 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL season.

Q3: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s fastest delivery speed?
A3: Kuldeep Yadav’s fastest deliveries are around 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph). He relies more on spin and flight rather than sheer speed to deceive batsmen.

Q4: Is Kuldeep Yadav from Uttar Pradesh?
A4: Yes, Kuldeep Yadav was born in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in Kanpur. He is the son of a brick kiln owner, and his roots are firmly grounded in UP.

Q5: Why is Kuldeep Yadav called a Chinaman bowler?
A5: Kuldeep Yadav is called a Chinaman bowler due to his unorthodox left-arm bowling technique. In this style, the ball spins away from a right-handed batsman, similar to how a right-arm off-spinner bowls.

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