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Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has answered his latest setback in the best possible way. After being dropped from the Test team after his poor show in the first Test against Sri Lanka, Kuldeep Yadav returned to county cricket and produced a stunning red-ball performance for Yorkshire.
The 31-year-old was dropped from the playing XI for the second and final Test in Sri Lanka, and then he was also ignored for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan as well as for the Asian Games 2026.
But instead of letting the disappointment affect him, Kuldeep went back to England and reminded everyone of his quality with a career-best bowling show. Earlier, Arshdeep Singh explains why playing First-Class cricket is not enough for Test preparation.
Kuldeep Yadav answers India snub in style
Kuldeep Yadav was dropped from India’s Test side for the second and final Test match in Colombo after taking only one wicket in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Before the Sri Lanka tour, the left-arm wrist-spinner had played a few 50-over matches for Yorkshire.
After being overlooked for the Afghanistan series and the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, Kuldeep decided to return to England and focus on his First-Class cricket and prove himself.
However, Kuldeep did not get a chance to bowl in his comeback game for Yorkshire, but he scored 17 and 1 with the bat. However, things changed dramatically at Headingley. Kuldeep produced the best bowling performance of his career, taking a stunning 6 for 50 in Yorkshire’s innings victory over Essex.
He also made a huge statement with the red ball by taking his maiden 10-wicket haul in First-Class cricket. His drift, turn, and control caused major problems for the Essex batters and showed why he remains such a dangerous spinner in red-ball cricket.
Yorkshire keen to have Kuldeep Yadav next season
Yorkshire coach Anthony McGrath was highly impressed with Kuldeep Yadav’s performance and his ability to use different angles while bowling. The county side is also keen to have the Indian spinner back next season. Kuldeep currently has one match remaining on his deal.
His county deal included the One-Day Cup and three County Championship games. Amid this, Mohammed Shami backed for India comeback by ex-opener.
Anthony McGrath was quoted as saying by the Yorkshire Post, "You could see how much he spins it, and his control of spin was just sensational. If you looked at how he put his overs together—over the wicket, round the wicket… he was setting the batters up.
Yeah, we’d bite his hand off, wouldn’t we? He’s an amazing character, and his passion for the game… he just loves bowling. We’ve been fortunate now for the last year and a bit. The overseas ones we’ve had have all enjoyed it, and they’ve all said that when they can, they would like to come back.”
Yorkshire coach praises Kuldeep Yadav’s character
Well, McGrath made it clear that Yorkshire would be very happy to work with Kuldeep again. He also praised his character, passion for bowling, and overall skill set. Kuldeep has now taken 19 wickets at an impressive average of 17.31 across seven matches for the club.
McGrath revealed that Kuldeep had been watching Yorkshire’s matches on the stream when he was away. The spinner then returned with a clear goal of making a big impact. His 10-wicket match haul has now given Kuldeep a timely boost as he looks to get back into India’s plans.
He added, “Someone of Kuldeep’s mentality and skill set speaks for itself. He’s also batted very well and got some crucial runs. So, if he can come back at some point, of course we’d make that work. He wanted to put in a real performance this week, and he certainly did that with a ten-fer to help win us the game.”
