In the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, the spotlight is increasingly focusing on Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner whose talent and potential necessitate a more prominent role in the national team's strategies. With the departure of veteran players and the emergence of a new generation, it's time for India to fully embrace the "Kuldeep factor" across all formats of the game.
Kuldeep Yadav's journey in cricket has been a blend of early success, periods of struggle, and resilient comebacks. Making his international debut in 2017, Kuldeep quickly established himself as a unique and impactful bowler, becoming the first left-arm chinaman bowler to represent India in Test cricket. His ability to generate spin and extract bounce, coupled with his variations, made him a potent weapon, especially in limited-overs cricket. He is also the first bowler for India to take two hat-tricks in ODIs.
Over the years, Kuldeep has achieved several milestones, including a hat-trick against Australia in 2017 and another against the West Indies in 2019, making him the first Indian bowler to achieve this feat in ODIs. He also holds the record for the best bowling figures by a left-arm spin bowler in an ODI (6/25). His stellar performances earned him a spot in India's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and he played a crucial role in India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, taking 15 wickets at an impressive economy rate.
However, Kuldeep's career has also seen its share of challenges. After a successful run, he experienced a dip in form between 2020 and 2022, and a knee injury further sidelined him. This period tested his resilience, but Kuldeep worked hard to regain his form, adjusting his bowling speed and adding new variations. His comeback in the IPL 2022, where he finished as one of the top wicket-takers, was a testament to his determination.
Currently, Kuldeep holds the second position in the ICC bowling rankings. In the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he has shown glimpses of his brilliance, taking wickets against formidable opponents like New Zealand and Pakistan.
Several factors contribute to the argument for India to start counting on Kuldeep. Firstly, his unique bowling style provides a different dimension to the Indian attack. As a left-arm wrist-spinner, he offers variety and can trouble batsmen who are accustomed to facing right-arm bowlers. Secondly, Kuldeep has the ability to take wickets in different phases of the game. Whether it's providing breakthroughs in the middle overs or picking up crucial wickets at the death, he has proven his effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Thirdly, Kuldeep's past performances against top teams demonstrate his potential to be a match-winner on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead India's spin attack in the upcoming Test series against England, especially with the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin. Former cricketers and analysts believe that Kuldeep's wicket-taking abilities will benefit India, and his inclusion in the playing XI is a "no-brainer". The English conditions, with increasingly dry summers, are also becoming more favorable for spin bowling, further strengthening the case for Kuldeep's inclusion.
Moreover, Kuldeep's recent engagement to his childhood friend Vanshika adds a personal milestone to his journey, which could further motivate him to perform well on the international stage.
For India to maximize Kuldeep Yadav's potential, it is essential to provide him with consistent opportunities and a clear role in the team. Building a strong partnership with other bowlers, such as Ravindra Jadeja, will also be crucial for India's success. As India transitions into a new era with Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, embracing Kuldeep's talent and giving him the confidence to express himself will be vital. India needs to trust in his abilities and unleash the "Kuldeep factor" to its fullest potential.
