Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wrist spinner, has grown into a key bowler with over 194 ODI wickets and two international hat-tricks. Born on December 14, 1994, he hails from Unnao but considers Kanpur his hometown.
Influenced by cricket legend Shane Warne’s spin mastery, Kuldeep Yadav switched to wrist spin bowling. His rise to prominence began at the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he emerged as one of the top wicket-takers with 14 dismissals, hinting at his future international success. Affectionately nicknamed 'Jadugar' — meaning magician — by India’s all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, Kuldeep owes his crafty deception with the ball. Though born in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, he was raised and educated in Kanpur, where the city holds a special place in his heart. After years of dedication, Kuldeep Yadav finally made his international debut in 2017. His unique style of spin bowling quickly earned him a permanent spot in India’s bowling attack. To date, he has taken 194 wickets in One Day Internationals, with a personal best of 6-25 against Australia. Apart from his impressive wicket haul, Kuldeep has claimed two international hat-tricks — a rare feat in ODIs — becoming the only Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone so far. His knack for breaking partnerships in the middle overs makes him a vital asset for the team. His jersey number, 23, has been a constant companion throughout his journey and continues to be so. Born on December 14, 1994, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, the left-arm spinner completed his schooling at Karam Devi Memorial Academy World School in Kanpur. In December 2025, during his 50th T20 International against South Africa, Kuldeep celebrated his birthday by taking two wickets and marking the occasion with his teammates. As of 2026, Kuldeep Yadav is 31 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has already achieved milestones that many cricketers only dream of. Maintaining peak physical form and mental sharpness is crucial for any athlete’s consistency. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Kuldeep’s height is well-suited for his spin bowling role. He maintains a lean body weight of approximately 65 kg through rigorous training, keeping him match-fit throughout the season. Kuldeep Yadav follows Hinduism and belongs to the Yadav community, a prominent caste in Uttar Pradesh. He is often seen visiting temples to seek blessings and lives by strong Hindu traditions and values. His caste identification reflects his cultural roots and community background. What is Kuldeep Yadav's birthplace and hometown? His birthplace is Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, and 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 significant group in Uttar Pradesh. He is widely known by the nickname 'Jadugar,' given to him by teammates and admirers. When did Kuldeep Yadav make his international debut? He made his international debut on March 25, 2017, in a Test match 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.