Kuldeep Yadav, India's ace wrist spinner, has over 194 ODI wickets and two international hat-tricks, celebrated for his magical bowling style.
Inspired by Shane Warne’s legendary wrist spin, Kuldeep Yadav shifted his bowling focus early in his career. His breakthrough came during the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he emerged as a standout performer with 14 wickets, signaling his potential on the global stage. Nicknamed 'Jadugar' (magician) by Yuvraj Singh for his bewildering spin variations, Kuldeep traces his origins to Unnao but spent his formative years in Kanpur, which he considers his true hometown. Though Kanpur holds a special place in his heart, his native roots remain tied to Unnao. After relentless dedication, Kuldeep Yadav finally stepped onto the international cricket stage in 2017. His distinctive wrist spin quickly made him a vital cog in India’s bowling attack. To date, he has collected more than 194 One Day International (ODI) wickets, achieving his best figures of 6-25 against Australia. Among his many accolades, he boasts two international hat-tricks—both in ODIs—making him the sole Indian cricketer to accomplish this milestone. His knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs has cemented his role as a match-winning asset for Team India. His jersey number, 23, has been with him throughout his journey and remains his signature on the field. Born on December 14, 1994, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, Kuldeep attended Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur. His formal education and sporting foundation were rooted in the city that shaped his early life. In December 2025, during his 50th T20 International against South Africa, he commemorated his birthday by taking two wickets, sharing the celebration with his teammates. As of 2026, Kuldeep Yadav is 31 years old and has already achieved feats most cricketers only aspire to reach. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 65 kilograms, he maintains peak physical condition through rigorous training, ensuring he stays at the top of his game. Kuldeep Yadav follows Hinduism and belongs to the Yadav community, a prominent social group in Uttar Pradesh. He often visits temples to seek blessings and remains deeply connected to his cultural and religious roots. His caste, Yadav, reflects his heritage and community background. Common Questions About Kuldeep Yadav: What are 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 community, a well-known group in Uttar Pradesh. What is Kuldeep Yadav’s nickname? He is affectionately known as 'Jadugar' (magician). When did Kuldeep Yadav make his international debut? He debuted in international cricket on March 25, 2017, against Australia in a Test match. How many international hat-tricks has Kuldeep Yadav taken? He has claimed two international hat-tricks, both in ODIs—first against Australia in 2017 and later against the West Indies in 2019. All images used are for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.