Kuldeep Yadav IPL Team [Source: @OneCricketApp, @KkrKaravan/x.com]
Kuldeep Yadav is a prominent Indian spinner who is famous for his bamboozling left-arm wrist-spin. Over the years, Kuldeep has made a huge name for himself in world cricket and his skills have been important for India, particularly in white-ball cricket.
His ability to deceive batters with his sharp turn and quick variations made him an important player for both India and his IPL teams. He has always been a key figure in the IPL, having been part of three different franchises.
Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Teams
Kuldeep Yadav's IPL career began in 2012 with five-time champions Mumbai Indians but it was with Kolkata Knight Riders that he gained much-needed exposure and match time.
He was instrumental in the team's performance. In 2022, he switched to Delhi Capitals where he displayed his brilliance with the ball on multiple occasions.
Year | Team | Key Highlights |
---|---|---|
2012 | Mumbai Indians | Picked by MI but did not get to play any matches. |
2014-2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Made IPL debut in 2016
Bagged 12 wickets in 12 matches in 2017 |
2018-2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Bought back by KKR for INR 5.8 crore Grabbed 17 wickets in 16 matches in IPL 2018 Had fluctuating performances, lost form in later years. |
2022-2024 | Delhi Capitals | Bought by DC for INR 2 crore Made a strong comeback; won 4 Player-of-the-Match awards in 2022. |
2025-Present | Delhi Capitals | Retained for INR 13.25 Crore |
Kuldeep’s Role in His IPL Team
Kuldeep has been a match-winner in the IPL, especially known for his middle-overs spell. As a left-arm chinaman, he adds a lot of variety to the bowling attack. Throughout the years, he has evolved as a bowler who can turn the ball both ways and has challenged even the best of batters.
His role as a middle-over bowler allows him to control the game and pick up wickets at critical moments. Kuldeep has often been used as a key bowler in the middle overs where he uses his variations to strangle the opposition and choke the run flow besides picking regular wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact on His IPL Team
Leadership and Team Contribution: Kuldeep Yadav’s impact goes beyond just his wickets. His consistency and calmness bring a sense of assurance to the bowling attack. Furthemore, the southpaw's leadership qualities have been evident from the way he has guided younger players in his teams. Though not always the designated leader, Kuldeep's presence in the team makes a world of difference.
Adapting to IPL Pitches: Kuldeep has shown his adaptability across the different IPL venues. Whether it's the tracks of Eden Gardens or the batting-friendly pitches in Delhi, Kuldeep has adapted his game to suit the conditions. He has always been effective, irrespective of the pitch conditions and his ability to bowl in various environments showcases his evolution as a bowler in the T20 format.
Role in High-Pressure Matches: Kuldeep Yadav has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. His ability to bowl tight spells in death overs and during pressure situations has made him a key player for his team.
Kuldeep Yadav and IPL Auction
IPL Auction History for Kuldeep Yadav
Initially bought by Mumbai Indians in 2012 for INR 10lakh, he moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 for INR 40 lakh where his real IPL journey began. He was then retained by KKR in the 2018 IPL Auction for INR 5.8 Crore.
Subsequently, Kuldeep was bought by Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022 for INR 2 crore and was retained by them in 2025 for a staggering INR 13.25 crore. His price increased as he showed more consistency, especially in his role as a key spinner.
Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL 2025 Auction Status
Kuldeep Yadav was retained by Delhi Capitals for INR 13.25 Crore in the 2025 IPL season. This retention was proof of his value in the team and it showed his growing importance in both the bowling attack and his experience with various match situations in the IPL.
Year | Team | Salary |
---|---|---|
2012 | Mumbai Indians | INR 10 lakh |
2014-2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders | INR 40 lakh |
2018-2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | INR 5.8 crore |
2022-2024 | Delhi Capitals | INR 2 crore |
2025-Present | Delhi Capitals | INR 13.25 crore |
FAQs About Kuldeep Yadav IPL Team
Q.1. Which team is Yadav in IPL?
Answer: Kuldeep Yadav plays for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He was with Kolkata Knight Riders from 2014 to 2021 and was then picked up by Delhi Capitals in the 2022 season.
Q.2. What is the price of Kuldeep Yadav in IPL?
Answer: Kuldeep Yadav was retained by Delhi Capitals for ₹13.25 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL season. His price has increased due to his excellent form in the recent seasons.
Q.3. What is the highest speed of Kuldeep Yadav?
Answer: Kuldeep Yadav’s fastest deliveries are around 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph). He relies more on spin and flight rather than sheer speed to deceive batsmen.
Q.4. Is Kuldeep Yadav from UP?
Answer: Yes, Kuldeep Yadav was born in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in Kanpur. He is the son of a brick kiln owner, and his roots are firmly grounded in UP.
Q.5. Why is Kuldeep Yadav called Chinaman?
Answer: Kuldeep Yadav is called a Chinaman bowler due to his unorthodox left-arm bowling technique. In this style, the ball spins away from a right-handed batsman, similar to how a right-arm off-spinner bowls.