Few Indian Premier League stories have swung between despair and redemption the way Kuldeep Yadav’s has. Signed as a young wrist spinner by Kolkata Knight Riders, dropped and benched for two full seasons, he walked into the 2022 mega auction with his career at a crossroads and walked out of it with a second life at Delhi Capitals. Fourteen matches later he had 21 wickets, a career-best 4 for 14, and a reputation reborn. Since then Kuldeep has become the most successful left-arm wrist spinner in IPL history, crossing 100 wickets and serving as Delhi’s lead spinner through 2026.
This page carries the complete Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2027 stats picture: his season-by-season record, 2024, 2025 and 2026 numbers, auction and retention price history, career batting and bowling tables, and his confirmed 2027 status.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Stats Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kuldeep Ram Singh Yadav |
| IPL Debut | 2016, Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting Style | Left-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm wrist-spin (chinaman) |
| Current IPL Team | Delhi Capitals |
| IPL Matches | 110 |
| IPL Runs | 210 |
| Highest Score | 35* |
| IPL Wickets | 112 |
| Best Bowling | 4/14 |
| IPL 2027 Team | Not officially confirmed (retention decision pending) |
| IPL 2027 Price | Not officially confirmed |
Who Is Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav is an Indian cricketer born on 14 December 1994 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He is a left-arm wrist spinner, often called a chinaman bowler, and a lower-order left-handed batter. He made his India debut across formats in 2017 and has played Test, ODI and T20I cricket for India.
Kuldeep entered the IPL in 2012 when Mumbai Indians picked him at the auction, but he did not play a game and moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. He made his IPL debut for KKR in 2016 and played for them through 2021, before Delhi Capitals bought him at the 2022 mega auction. At Delhi he rebuilt his white-ball career and became the franchise’s first-choice spinner alongside Axar Patel.
For India, Kuldeep is the first bowler from the country to take two ODI hat-tricks, holds the best ODI bowling figures by a left-arm spinner (6 for 25 against England in 2018), and was the fastest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets. He was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad and the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Teams
| Season | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2013 | Mumbai Indians | Auction pick, did not play |
| 2014-2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Debut in 2016; released after 2021 |
| 2022-present | Delhi Capitals | Bought at 2022 auction; retained 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Kuldeep’s journey moved through three franchises but produced meaningful game time at only two. Mumbai Indians signed him in 2012 and he never played. At Kolkata he went from first-choice spinner in 2018 to a bench regular by 2020, missing 2021 through injury. The move to Delhi Capitals in 2022 changed everything: backed as the lead spinner in an attack featuring Khaleel Ahmed and Shardul Thakur, he delivered 21 wickets in his first season and has stayed with the franchise ever since.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2024 Stats
| Bowling | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 11 |
| Wickets | 16 |
| Best Bowling | 4/55 |
| Average | 23.25 |
| Economy | 8.65 |
| Strike Rate | 16.12 |
| Batting | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 11 |
| Runs | 47 |
| Highest Score | 35* |
After a quiet 2023, Kuldeep answered with 16 wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2024, his best strike rate in a full season at 16.12 balls per wicket. The spell included a 4 for 55 haul, and his 35 not out was his highest IPL score. The season confirmed his place as Delhi’s senior spinner heading into the 2025 mega auction, where the franchise retained him for Rs 13.25 crore.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2025 Stats
| Bowling | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 14 |
| Wickets | 15 |
| Best Bowling | 3/22 |
| Average | 24.06 |
| Economy | 7.07 |
| Strike Rate | 20.40 |
| Batting | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 14 |
| Runs | 18 |
| Highest Score | 7 |
Retained at a premium price, Kuldeep repaid the faith by finishing IPL 2025 as Delhi Capitals’ leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets. His economy of 7.07 was his best in any full IPL season and one of the best among frontline spinners in the league that year. His middle-overs control, backed by then-captain Rishabh Pant, became the foundation of Delhi’s bowling plans.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2026 Stats
| Bowling | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 12 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Best Bowling | 3/29 |
| Runs Conceded | 381 |
| Average | 38.10 |
| Economy | 10.30 |
| Batting | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 12 |
| Runs | 9 |
| Highest Score | 4 |
IPL 2026 was the toughest season of Kuldeep’s Delhi career. Ten wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 10.30, his worst figures in any IPL season, left him benched at stages of the campaign. He signed off with a 3 for 29 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, a reminder of his match-winning ability, but reports through the season suggested the franchise hierarchy was leaning towards releasing him ahead of IPL 2027. Nothing had been officially confirmed at the time of writing.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2027 Stats
IPL 2027 statistics are not available yet because the season has not started. No 2027 fixtures have been played, so there are no 2027 runs, wickets, or averages to report. This page will be updated once the season is completed or once official numbers are confirmed.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2027 Team and Price
Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL 2027 team and price are not officially confirmed. He was retained by Delhi Capitals at Rs 13.25 crore for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, so he remains on Delhi’s books unless the franchise releases him.
Media reports during and after IPL 2026 suggested two possibilities: that Delhi Capitals were considering releasing him before the IPL 2027 retention deadline, and that Lucknow Super Giants were interested in acquiring him as part of a squad overhaul, possibly linked to a Rishabh Pant move in the opposite direction. These reports are unconfirmed and no trade or release has been officially announced. The team and price listed here will be updated when Delhi or the IPL governing council confirms the retention list ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Career Batting Stats
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 110 |
| Innings | 42 |
| Runs | 210 |
| Highest Score | 35* |
| Average | 11.67 |
| Strike Rate | 83.00 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 0 |
| 4s | 18 |
| 6s | 3 |
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Career Bowling Stats
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 110 |
| Overs | 379 |
| Wickets | 112 |
| Best Bowling | 4/14 |
| Average | 27.95 |
| Economy | 8.26 |
| Strike Rate | 20.30 |
| 4-wicket hauls | 4 |
| 5-wicket hauls | 0 |
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Stats by Year
| Season | Team | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | KKR | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6 | 8.33 | 3/35 |
| 2017 | KKR | 12 | 20 | 16 | 10.00 | 90.90 | 12 | 8.29 | 2/25 |
| 2018 | KKR | 16 | 12 | 7* | 12.00 | 50.00 | 12 | 8.14 | 4/20 |
| 2019 | KKR | 9 | 12 | 10* | 6.00 | 150.00 | 4 | 8.66 | 2/41 |
| 2020 | KKR | 5 | 13 | 12 | 13.00 | 61.90 | 1 | 7.66 | 1/20 |
| 2021 | KKR | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 | – | – |
| 2022 | DC | 14 | 48 | 16* | 48.00 | 92.31 | 21 | 8.44 | 4/14 |
| 2023 | DC | 14 | 31 | 10* | 15.50 | 64.58 | 10 | 7.36 | 2/15 |
| 2024 | DC | 11 | 47 | 35* | 15.67 | 114.63 | 16 | 8.65 | 4/55 |
| 2025 | DC | 14 | 18 | 7 | 6.00 | 112.50 | 15 | 7.07 | 3/22 |
| 2026 | DC | 12 | 9 | 4 | 3.00 | 42.86 | 10 | 10.30 | 3/29 |
| Career | – | 110 | 210 | 35* | 11.67 | 83.00 | 112 | 8.26 | 4/14 |
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Highest Score
Kuldeep Yadav’s highest IPL score is 35 not out, made for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. Batting is a secondary skill for him; across 110 IPL matches he has 210 runs at an average of 11.67, and his role is to contribute the odd handy cameo down the order.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Wickets and Best Bowling
Kuldeep has 112 IPL wickets at an average of 27.95 and an economy of 8.26. His best bowling figures, 4 for 14, came for Delhi Capitals against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022, the season that relaunched his career. He has taken four wickets in an innings four times and is the most successful left-arm wrist spinner in IPL history, having crossed the 100-wicket mark during the 2025 season.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Batting Records
Batting is not Kuldeep’s discipline, and he holds no significant IPL batting records. His notable batting marks are modest: a career 210 runs with a highest score of 35 not out in 2024, and three sixes across his IPL career. His value to every side he has played for has always been with the ball.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Auction Price History
| Season | Team | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Mumbai Indians | Rs 10 lakh | Auction |
| 2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 40 lakh | Auction |
| 2018 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 5.80 crore | Retained |
| 2019 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 5.80 crore | Retained |
| 2020 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 5.80 crore | Retained |
| 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 5.80 crore | Retained |
| 2022 | Delhi Capitals | Rs 2 crore | Auction |
| 2023 | Delhi Capitals | Rs 2 crore | Retained |
| 2024 | Delhi Capitals | Rs 2 crore | Retained |
| 2025 | Delhi Capitals | Rs 13.25 crore | Retained |
| 2026 | Delhi Capitals | Rs 13.25 crore | Retained |
Kuldeep’s price graph tracks his career arc. A Rs 10 lakh pick by Mumbai Indians in 2012 who never played, a Rs 40 lakh KKR buy in 2014, retention at Rs 5.80 crore through his KKR peak and decline, then a cut-price Rs 2 crore revival buy by Delhi in 2022. His strong Delhi seasons turned him into one of the most expensive retained spinners in the league at Rs 13.25 crore for 2025 and 2026.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Records and Achievements
- Most successful left-arm wrist spinner in IPL history, crossing 100 IPL wickets in his 97th match during the 2025 season.
- Career-best IPL season of 21 wickets in 14 matches for Delhi Capitals in 2022, including his best figures of 4 for 14 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
- Four four-wicket hauls in the IPL, the most by any left-arm wrist spinner in the league.
- Delhi Capitals’ leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 15 wickets at an economy of 7.07.
- Match-winning 4 for 20 against Rajasthan Royals in 2018 while playing for KKR.
Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL Performance Analysis
The numbers split Kuldeep’s IPL career into three clear phases. At Kolkata, the peak arrived in 2018 with 17 wickets and a strike rate of 18.11, then the slide: four wickets in 2019 and one in 2020, followed by a missed 2021. Delhi bought the dip at Rs 2 crore and got the reward immediately, with 21 wickets in 2022 at 19.95 apiece.
From 2022 to 2025 he was consistently productive, taking between 10 and 21 wickets each season and improving his economy to a career-best 7.07 in 2025. The warning sign arrived in 2026: the economy ballooned to 10.30, the worst of his career, and he went wicketless in long stretches. His 2027 outlook depends entirely on whether a franchise believes the 2026 slump was a blip or the start of a decline, which is why his retention status is the story to watch this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team does Kuldeep Yadav play for in the IPL?
Delhi Capitals. He joined them at the 2022 mega auction and has been retained for every season since. His 2027 status is not yet officially confirmed.
How many wickets does Kuldeep Yadav have in the IPL?
112 wickets in 110 matches at an average of 27.95 and an economy rate of 8.26, making him the most successful left-arm wrist spinner in IPL history.
What are Kuldeep Yadav’s best IPL bowling figures?
4 for 14, recorded for Delhi Capitals against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2022 season.
What was Kuldeep Yadav’s IPL 2027 price?
Not officially confirmed. His price for the 2025 and 2026 seasons was Rs 13.25 crore on retention by Delhi Capitals.
When did Kuldeep Yadav make his IPL debut?
In 2016 for Kolkata Knight Riders, taking six wickets in three matches in his debut season.
Which teams has Kuldeep Yadav played for in the IPL?
Mumbai Indians (2012, did not play), Kolkata Knight Riders (2014 to 2021), and Delhi Capitals (2022 onwards).
Was Kuldeep Yadav retained or bought at the last mega auction?
He was retained by Delhi Capitals for Rs 13.25 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, and retained again at the same price for 2026.
Sources and Data Notes
Season and career statistics were cross-checked across Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo-linked data feeds, MyKhel, CricTracker, the official IPL site and established sports press coverage of the 2025 mega auction retentions, the 2022 mega auction, and IPL 2026 season reporting. 2027 team and price status is based on franchise announcements and media reports current as of October 2026.
Statistics and player information are checked against available reliable sources and may be updated as new IPL matches, transfers, or official announcements are confirmed.
Statistics updated through: 9 October 2026
