Kuldeep Yadav, India’s left-arm wrist spinner, born in 1994, is renowned for his magical bowling, hat-tricks, and over 194 ODI wickets by 2026.
However, after being deeply impressed by the legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne, he redirected his bowling approach toward wrist spin. Kuldeep Yadav’s journey gained serious traction during the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He concluded the tournament as one of the top wicket-takers with 14 dismissals, highlighting his emerging talent on the global cricket stage. The spin sensation acquired the nickname ‘Jadugar’ (meaning magician), bestowed upon him by Yuvraj Singh, a former Indian all-rounder, in recognition of his baffling deliveries. Though Kuldeep Yadav’s birthplace is Unnao, his formative years and educational journey unfolded in Kanpur, firmly establishing Kanpur as his hometown where he also completed his schooling. After relentless dedication and countless hours of practice, Kuldeep Yadav’s long-awaited international debut arrived in 2017. Quickly, he cemented his role as a core component of India’s bowling arsenal due to his unique wrist-spin bowling technique. Over the years, he has scalped over 194 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with his finest performance being a remarkable 6-25 against Australia. In addition to his impressive wicket tally, Kuldeep Yadav has claimed two international hat-tricks, both in ODIs—first against Australia in 2017 and later against the West Indies in 2019—making him the first and only Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone. His proficiency in picking up crucial wickets during the middle overs has solidified his status as a vital asset for Team India. Throughout his career, he has consistently sported jersey number 23, a number that has become synonymous with his journey. Kuldeep Yadav’s birth date falls in the final month of the year. He was born on December 14, 1994, in Unnao, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The left-arm spinner pursued his early education at the Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur. In December 2025, during the celebration of his 50th Twenty20 International against South Africa, Kuldeep Yadav marked his birthday uniquely by claiming two wickets and sharing the joy with his teammates on the field. As of 2026, Kuldeep Yadav is 31 years old, and despite his relatively young age, he has already achieved feats that many cricketers aspire for throughout their careers. Maintaining peak physical shape and mental resilience is essential for any athlete to deliver consistent performances. Kuldeep Yadav stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, a height that suits his bowling style well. The ace spinner maintains a lean physique weighing around 65 kilograms, supported by rigorous training routines that keep him match-fit at all times. Kuldeep Yadav follows Hinduism and belongs to the Yadav community, a prominent social group in Uttar Pradesh. He is often seen visiting temples to seek blessings and remains deeply connected to Hindu customs and traditions. His caste is ‘Yadav’, a community widely recognized across Uttar Pradesh. **Frequently Asked Questions:** What is Kuldeep Yadav’s birthplace and hometown? His birthplace is Unnao, while his hometown is Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. What is Kuldeep Yadav’s caste and religion? He is a Hindu and belongs to the Yadav caste, a well-known community in Uttar Pradesh. What is his nickname? His nickname is ‘Jadugar’, meaning magician, given by teammates and fans. When did Kuldeep Yadav make his international debut? He played his first international match on March 25, 2017, against Australia. How many hat-tricks has Kuldeep Yadav taken? He has taken two international hat-tricks in ODIs—one against Australia in 2017 and another against West Indies in 2019. All images used are for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.