Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wrist spinner, has taken over 194 ODI wickets and holds two international hat-tricks. Born on December 14, 1994, he debuted in 2017 and remains a vital middle-over specialist.
After admiring Shane Warne’s legendary spin bowling, Kuldeep Yadav redirected his bowling ambitions toward wrist spin. His talent shone brightly during the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he finished as one of the top wicket-takers with 14 dismissals, signaling his arrival on the global stage. The nickname ‘Jadugar’ (magician) was bestowed upon Kuldeep Yadav by cricket icon Yuvraj Singh, a nod to his uncanny ability to bamboozle batsmen with subtle variations. Though his birthplace is Unnao, his formative years were spent in Kanpur, where he completed his education. While Unnao remains his birthplace, Kanpur holds a special place in his heart as his adopted hometown. His long-awaited international debut finally arrived in 2017, and he quickly cemented his spot in the Indian bowling attack thanks to his unique spin bowling approach. Over time, he has claimed 194 wickets in ODIs, highlighted by a career-best 6-25 against Australia. Beyond his wicket tally, Kuldeep Yadav’s international career includes two hat-tricks, making him the first and only Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone. His knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs has made him indispensable to Team India. Wearing jersey number 23 throughout his journey, he continues to represent the nation with pride. Born on December 14, 1994, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, Kuldeep Yadav attended Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur. During December 2025, his birthday coincided with his 50th T20I appearance against South Africa. On that occasion, he contributed with two wickets and celebrated the milestone alongside his teammates. As we enter 2026, Kuldeep Yadav is 31 years old, having achieved feats that many cricketers only dream of at this stage of their careers. Maintaining peak physical condition and mental sharpness is essential for sustained performance, and Kuldeep Yadav stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall. He keeps his weight at approximately 65 kilograms through rigorous training routines that ensure his readiness for every match. Kuldeep Yadav follows Hinduism and belongs to the Yadav community, a prominent group in Uttar Pradesh. He is often seen visiting temples to seek divine blessings, reflecting his deep connection to Hindu traditions and customs. His caste is ‘Yadav’, a historically influential community in the region. Frequently Asked Questions: What are Kuldeep Yadav’s birthplace and hometown? He was born in Unnao and grew up in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, making Kanpur his hometown. What is Kuldeep Yadav’s religion and caste? He identifies as a Hindu and belongs to the Yadav caste, a significant community in Uttar Pradesh. What nickname does Kuldeep Yadav go by? He is affectionately known as ‘Jadugar’ (magician) due to his deceptive bowling. When did Kuldeep Yadav make his international debut? He played his first international match on March 25, 2017, against Australia in the Test format. How many hat-tricks has Kuldeep Yadav taken? He has secured two international hat-tricks, both in ODIs — one against Australia in 2017 and another against West Indies in 2019. All images are used for editorial purposes only. License exclusively from Getty/Source.