After warming the bench for months of India’s tour of England, Kuldeep Yadav finally made a comeback to the limelight in India’s Asia Cup opener against the UAE. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who hadn’t played a T20I since the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, produced a spectacular four-wicket haul, reasserting his worth in India’s white-ball ranks.
Sidelines to Spotlight
A Frustrating England Tour
Throughout India’s Test series in England, Kuldeep Yadav sat on the bench despite being at the top of his bowling game. Spending most of his time carrying drinks or sitting with an earpiece listening to commentary, he had to be content in watching others play not that he was out of form, but simply because India wanted to have more batting depth.
It was hard for me,” said Kuldeep. “I was trying to get my bowling and my fitness right with Adrian [Le Roux], and it all clicked tonight.”
Kuldeep Yadav while Training: Humor-Laced But Serious
During the buildup to the Asia Cup, Kuldeep Yadav was seen at training, having some fun banter with the media. Talking about Yo-Yo scores and poking fun at fitness levels, he displayed a relaxed and confident state of mind. His casual conversation quickly turned to football discussion Neymar his favorite player, and Lamine Yamal impressing him a reflection of the sport he adores.
His love for football has also spawned a side hustle: a YouTube series called “Fulltwo Football”, where he offers his analysis of the sport.
Clinical With the Ball: Kuldeep’s Four-Wicket Haul vs UAE
When India were bowling against UAE, Kuldeep Yadav was brought in at the stage when the rival team still had hopes at 41 for 2 in the powerplay. But his spell turned the entire game around:
Over of Magic
Wicket 1: Rahul Chopra misjudged a lofted shot to Shubman Gill.
Wicket 2: Trapped Muhammad Waseem lbw with a typical fizzing delivery.
Wicket 3: Bowled Harshit Kaushik with a misleading wrong’un that made the stumps glow.
He added a fourth wicket with another wrong’un, this time fortunate due to a lack of DRS reviews from UAE, as the ball brushed the pad and was caught behind by Sanju Samson.
Battling Setbacks: Injury and IPL 2025
After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav was out of action for five months owing to a sports hernia. He returned in the Champions Trophy and played a decent IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals, scalping 15 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 7.07. But the series against England was still an opportunity lost one that he has now started to redeem.
Back Where He Belongs
Kuldeep Yadav, with his victorious spell against the UAE, proved yet again that he is India’s most dangerous weapon in limited overs cricket. The smile on his face as he bowled the stumps was a metaphorical smile of overcoming adversity, a success story in technique, and unflinching faith.
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