Kuldeep Yadav turned 31 on 14 December, and this milestone is the perfect moment to revisit the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav for Team India. Over the years, the left-arm wrist-spinner has become one of India’s most dependable bowlers across formats. Whether playing at home or in tough overseas conditions, he has consistently delivered match-winning spells when India needed breakthroughs.
Since making his international debut in 2017, Kuldeep has shown rare skill, sharp variations, and strong mental toughness. His ability to pick wickets in clusters has often changed the momentum of matches. Many of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav came in high-pressure situations, proving his value as a genuine match-winner.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Best Performances of Kuldeep Yadav for Team India
5. 5/99 vs Australia, Sydney, 2019 (Test)
One of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in Test cricket came against Australia at Sydney in 2019. This five-wicket haul was special because it was his first Test five-for in a SENA country. For any spinner, succeeding in Australia is a major achievement, and Kuldeep handled the challenge with maturity.
India had already posted a massive 622 runs in their first innings, putting Australia under pressure. Kuldeep’s role was to maintain discipline and extract whatever help the pitch offered. He bowled long spells with patience, using flight and subtle changes in pace to trouble the batters.
His figures of 5/99 helped India bowl Australia out for 300 runs. Even though the match ended in a draw, this spell remains one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in overseas Test cricket.
| Match | Format | Venue | Figures |
| India vs Australia | Test | Sydney | 5/99 |
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4. 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2022 (Test)
Another entry among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav came during India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2022. After nearly two years out of the Test side, Kuldeep made a strong comeback in Chattogram and proved his all-round value.
India scored 404 in the first innings, and once the pacers removed the top order, Kuldeep attacked the middle order aggressively. He dismissed key players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, breaking Bangladesh’s resistance. His bowling figures of 5/40 were crucial in gaining control of the match.
What made this one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav was his contribution with the bat as well. He scored a valuable 40 runs in the first innings and also took three wickets in the second innings. India won the match comfortably by 188 runs.
| Match | Format | Venue | Figures |
| India vs Bangladesh | Test | Chattogram | 5/40 |
3. 5/17 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2023 (T20I)
One of the most destructive spells in T20 cricket features among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2023. India posted a huge total of 201 runs, and early wickets were needed to put pressure on the hosts.
Kuldeep was introduced after the powerplay and quickly found his rhythm. Despite being hit for a six early on, he responded brilliantly with smarter lines and lengths. He dismissed Donovan Ferreira and then went on to dominate the South African middle order.
Kuldeep finished with stunning figures of 5/17, completely dismantling the batting lineup. South Africa were bowled out for just 95 runs, and India won by 106 runs. This spell clearly ranks among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is.
| Match | Format | Venue | Figures |
| India vs South Africa | T20I | Johannesburg | 5/17 |
2. 5/25 vs Pakistan, Colombo, 2023 (ODI)
The clash against Pakistan in Colombo in 2023 produced one of the most memorable best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in ODI history. Batting first, India put up a massive 357 runs, powered by centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
Kuldeep entered the attack in the 18th over and immediately troubled the Pakistani batters. He bowled with confidence, gave the ball flight, and used the pitch conditions perfectly. His variations caused constant confusion in the middle order.
Kuldeep ended with match-winning figures of 5/25, as Pakistan were bowled out cheaply. India recorded their biggest-ever ODI win over Pakistan by 228 runs. This match remains one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in high-pressure encounters.
| Match | Format | Venue | Figures |
| India vs Pakistan | ODI | Colombo | 5/25 |
1. 6/25 vs England, Trent Bridge, 2018 (ODI)
At number one among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav is his magical spell against England at Trent Bridge in 2018. This match truly announced Kuldeep as a world-class white-ball spinner on the global stage.
England had a powerful batting lineup, but Kuldeep dismantled it with his wrist spin. He dismissed Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler, completely changing the course of the match. Each wicket came from smart bowling rather than luck.
Kuldeep finished with outstanding figures of 6/25, restricting England to 268 runs. India chased the target easily within 40 overs. This spell remains one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav and one of the finest overseas ODI spells by an Indian spinner.
| Match | Format | Venue | Figures |
| India vs England | ODI | Trent Bridge | 6/25 |
FAQs
1. When did Kuldeep Yadav make his international debut for India?
Kuldeep Yadav made his international debut for India in 2017. Since then, he has delivered several match-winning spells, many of which are counted among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav across formats.
2. What is Kuldeep Yadav’s best bowling performance in ODI cricket?
Kuldeep Yadav’s best ODI bowling performance is 6/25 against England at Trent Bridge in 2018. This spell is widely regarded as one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in white-ball cricket.
3. Has Kuldeep Yadav taken a five-wicket haul in overseas Test matches?
Yes, Kuldeep Yadav took a five-wicket haul (5/99) against Australia in Sydney in 2019. This performance is considered one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav in overseas Test conditions.
4. Which T20I match features among the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav’s 5/17 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2023 stands out in T20Is. It is one of the best performances of Kuldeep Yadav, helping India win the match by a huge margin.