Kuldeep Yadav - India's Unsung Hero in the Series Victory

image-lt34hwmmKuldeep has been the best spinner for Indian team in the Test Series (Source: AP Photos)

At the end of Day 2 of the third Test, England, led by Ben Duckett’s century, were in a commanding position. England had scored 207 runs in 35 overs with an excellent run rate of 5.9 RPO. Before Day 3 began, R. Ashwin had flown back to his home, due to a family emergency. India were in a world of pain!

Jasprit Bumrah scalped Joe Root’s wicket, ensuring India's good start to the day. After that wicket, India needed someone to control the flow of runs and keep English batters in check. And, Kuldeep Yadav performed this role to perfection. Since the start of the day, he bowled 12 overs on the trot and slowed the pace of the game.

In his 12-over spell, Kuldeep picked up two wickets and conceded just 35 runs at an economy of 2.9 RPO. He outfoxed Jonny Bairstow with his stock delivery that turned in sharply and hit Bairstow’s pads in front of the stumps. Kuldeep also sent Ben Duckett back to the hut. That wasn’t a threatening delivery – it was short and wide, but it also turned a bit and Duckett couldn’t control his shot.


Kuldeep Yadav – India’s best spinner in the series

Kuldeep Yadav has been India’s best spinner in the series. On batting-friendly surfaces, he has bowled with good control, delivering some crucial spells. Coming from over the wicket, he goes close to the stumps to deliver the ball and often relies on his stock delivery – chinaman. According to data available on BCCI.tv, 86.67% of his deliveries have been chinaman in this series.

image-lt34eoqxIndian spinners in the series vs England (Source: OneCricket)

In the fourth match at Ranchi, the pitch didn’t provide enough turn. It wasn’t easy for run-scoring because of variable bounce. But, Kuldeep utilized his advantage of being a wrist-spinner and extracted turn. His delivery to Zak Crawley was a thing of beauty. He lured the English opener to play through the covers and completely beat him with the turn. Even his wicket delivery to Ben Stokes, which stayed low, also turned by a fair amount.

His pace is generally in the 80-85 kph range, so he can beat batters in the air. Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball combined with his good control is a big boost for Team India. It will allow India to prepare good batting pitches as they are going through a transition in the batting department.


Kuldeep Yadav also leaves a mark with his batting

image-lt34iqrwKuldeep played a crucial knock in the first innings of the fourth Test (Source: AP Photos)

Kuldeep has batted in just 14 innings in his short Test career, but he has been mighty impressive with the bat in this series. Coming in at number five as a night-watchman in the third Test at Rajkot, Kuldeep faced 91 innings and did his job.

His partnership with Dhruv Jurel in this Test, which lasted over 200 balls, was extremely crucial. Kuldeep provided good support to the wicketkeeper-batter and ensured that India don’t end up conceding a huge lead to England.

The 29-year-old has displayed his capability to hold one end. He has either left or defended the ball on over 71% of the balls he has faced in this series. It boosts his value as a Test cricketer in India. Where there is a lot of work to be done against pacers, and in his shot-making ability, Kuldeep has been mighty imposing.


Winning three games in a row, India have clinched the series. While Kuldeep may not get enough limelight, he has played a key role. He stood up for his side when Axar Patel, India's designated third spinner, looked ordinary in the first two games. And, his batting efforts were commendable. Axar is a much better batter, but Kuldeep has given his all within his limited ability.

Ashwin and Jadeja – the senior pros – don’t have age on their side, and particularly Ashwin has shown some wear and tear in this series. India should be happy to see Kuldeep step up. If Kuldeep manages to keep going from strength to strength, India’s dependence on their veteran spin duo will decrease, providing them good breathing space at this stage of their career.