From the dusty grounds of Unnao to the hallowed pitches of international cricket, Kuldeep Yadav has carved a niche that’s uniquely his own. If you’ve ever wondered about the man behind those mesmerizing deliveries that bamboozle batters worldwide, you’re in for a treat.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Biography
Born on 14 December 1994, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, Kuldeep Yadav represents everything that’s beautiful about Indian cricket’s grassroots culture. At 30 years old and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, he might not have the imposing physical presence of some fast bowlers, but his bowling speaks volumes that transcend mere statistics.
Personal Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 14 December 1994 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Birthplace | Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm wrist spin |
| Role | Bowler |
| Jersey Number | 23 (ODI & T20I) |
Educational Qualification
Kuldeep Yadav’s education took place at Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur. The school in Kanpur became the launching pad for what would become one of India’s most successful spin bowling careers. It’s fascinating how sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin in the most ordinary places, isn’t it?
International Career
Kuldeep Yadav’s international debut came on 25 March 2017, against Australia in a Test match, where he received cap number 288. But that was just the beginning. His ODI debut followed on 23 June 2017, against the West Indies (cap 218), and his T20I debut came shortly after on 9 July 2017, also against the West Indies (cap 69).
What makes Kuldeep special isn’t just his ability to turn the ball both ways, but his consistency across formats. When you look at his career statistics, you see a bowler who has adapted to different conditions and challenges with remarkable success.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Figures | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 56 | 22.16 | 5/40 | 4 |
| ODI | 113 | 181 | 26.44 | 6/25 | 2 |
| T20I | 40 | 69 | 14.07 | 5/17 | 2 |
| First Class | 43 | 164 | 29.36 | 6/79 | 8 |
These numbers tell a story of consistent excellence. His T20I bowling average of 14.07 is simply phenomenal, showcasing his ability to be economical while picking up wickets in the shortest format.
IPL Contract History
Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL salary journey reads like a classic rags-to-riches story. Starting with Mumbai Indians in 2012-14 for a modest 10 lakh rupees, he moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016 for 40 lakh. But the real breakthrough came in 2018 when KKR retained him for a whopping 5.80 crores.
IPL Salary Breakdown
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-14 | ₹10 Lakh | Mumbai Indians |
| 2016-17 | ₹40 Lakh | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2018-21 | ₹5.80 Crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2022-24 | ₹2.00 Crore | Delhi Capitals |
| 2025 | ₹13.25 Crore | Delhi Capitals |
The 2025 IPL auction saw Delhi Capitals showing tremendous faith in Kuldeep, purchasing him for ₹13.25 crores. This massive investment reflects his value in the T20 format and his ability to be a match-winner.
Net Worth
With great performance comes great rewards. Kuldeep Yadav’s net worth is estimated at ₹32 crores, a testament to his success both on and off the field. His current BCCI Grade B contract ensures he earns ₹3 crores annually from the board alone, not including his IPL earnings and endorsements.
Similar: Akash Deep Biography
Domestic Cricket
Since 2009, Kuldeep has been a loyal servant to Uttar Pradesh cricket. His domestic career statistics show 1,050 runs at an average of 21.00, with a highest score of 117 – proving he’s no mug with the bat either. His 164 first-class wickets at 29.36 average demonstrate consistent performance at the domestic level.
Jersey Number
Kuldeep Yadav wears jersey number 23 in international matches. Whether it’s ODIs or T20Is, seeing that number 23 on his back brings confidence to Indian cricket fans. There’s something special about players who stick with their numbers – it becomes part of their identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s height?
A: Kuldeep Yadav is 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
Q: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s age?
A: Kuldeep Yadav is 30 years old, born on 14 December 1994.
Q: How much does Kuldeep Yadav earn in IPL 2025?
A: Kuldeep Yadav was purchased by Delhi Capitals for ₹13.25 crores in the IPL 2025 auction.
Q: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s net worth?
A: Kuldeep Yadav’s net worth is estimated at ₹32 crores.
Q: Which jersey number does Kuldeep Yadav wear?
A: Kuldeep Yadav wears jersey number 23 in ODIs and T20Is for India.
Q: What are Kuldeep Yadav’s best bowling figures?
A: His best figures are 6/25 in ODIs, 5/17 in T20Is, and 5/40 in Tests.
Q: Where did Kuldeep Yadav study?
A: He studied at Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur.
Q: What is Kuldeep Yadav’s BCCI contract grade?
A: He holds a Grade B contract with BCCI, earning ₹3 crores annually.
Q: What cars does Kuldeep Yadav own?
A: His car collection includes a Ford EcoSport and an Audi A6.
Q: How many international wickets has Kuldeep Yadav taken?
A: He has taken 306 international wickets across all formats (56 Tests, 181 ODIs, 69 T20Is).
Q: Which IPL team does Kuldeep Yadav currently play for?
A: He currently plays for Delhi Capitals, having been with them since 2022.