Kuldeep Yadav's recent performance in the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked reactions, including a notable comment from Sanjay Manjrekar. After Kuldeep's impressive spell against the UAE, Manjrekar tweeted: “Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now". This remark is seen as a subtle jab at past team selections, especially those influenced by Gautam Gambhir, where Kuldeep was seemingly overlooked despite his potential.

In the Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE, Kuldeep Yadav's impact was immediate and significant. Introduced in the seventh over, he quickly dismantled the UAE's batting lineup, taking three wickets in a single over. His victims included Rahul Chopra, Muhammad Waseem, and Harshit Kaushik. Kuldeep ended with figures of 4/7 in just 2.1 overs, marking one of the best bowling performances in Asia Cup T20 history. He now has 73 T20I wickets in 41 matches, averaging 13.39 with the ball. This was also his second four-wicket haul in T20Is.

Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm unorthodox spinner, has been a vital part of the Indian cricket team. Born on December 14, 1994, he represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His journey began at the age of 17 when he represented India in the Under-19 circuit in 2012. At the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to capture a hat-trick in the event, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps.

Kuldeep made his international debut in 2017. Over the years, he has achieved five-wicket hauls in all three formats of the game. In ODIs, he became the fastest Indian spinner to reach 150 wickets, surpassing Anil Kumble. He was also a key player in India's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, taking 15 wickets.

Manjrekar has praised Kuldeep in the past, particularly highlighting his ability to take crucial wickets. In April 2024, Manjrekar noted that Kuldeep's confidence and skills were at their peak, comparing him to Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. He also emphasized Kuldeep's knack for delivering breakthroughs when the team needs them most.

However, Manjrekar has also offered constructive criticism. In February 2025, he suggested that Kuldeep should vary his pace more, drawing inspiration from England spinner Adil Rashid. Manjrekar observed that Kuldeep had increased his pace to meet team demands but should focus on turn and deception, which are key to his effectiveness.

Despite the occasional criticisms and the "cheeky dig", Kuldeep's contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable. His recent Asia Cup performance underscores his value, and as India prepares to defend their T20 World Cup crown, Kuldeep's form makes him a key player.