India has always been known as the land of world-class spinners — from Bishan Singh Bedi and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar to Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin. These legendary names have dominated Test cricket over the decades. In modern times, Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as the torchbearer of India’s spin legacy, continuing to weave magic with his left-arm wrist spin.
Making his Test debut in 2017, Kuldeep Yadav quickly impressed cricket fans and experts alike with his unique style and sharp variations. Despite playing fewer Tests compared to other bowlers, he has made every opportunity count. His ability to extract turn from almost any surface and deceive batters with flight and pace variations makes him a key asset for India in all three formats.
Though his appearances in red-ball cricket have been limited — with fewer than 20 Tests in his first eight years — Kuldeep Yadav impact has been undeniable. Every time he gets the ball, he delivers something special. Let’s revisit his top five bowling performances in Test cricket that highlight his brilliance.
5/99 vs Australia, Sydney (2019)
Kuldeep Yadav’s first overseas five-wicket haul came at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2019. The match, which ended in a rain-affected draw, saw India dominate from the start. After India declared at 622/7, with Cheteshwar Pujara (193) and Rishabh Pant (159*) shining, Kuldeep Yadav took charge with the ball.
He spun through Australia’s batting order, taking 5/99, including both the first and last wickets. Although the game ended in a draw, it showcased Kuldeep’s ability to perform in foreign conditions.
5/82 vs West Indies, Delhi (2025)
In 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Kuldeep Yadav once again demonstrated why he’s so dangerous on Indian pitches. His subtle variations and sharp turn made life miserable for the West Indies batters.
He picked up 5/82 in the first innings, helping India bowl out the visitors for 248 after piling up 518/5d. His spell not only gave India control of the match but also reminded everyone of his match-winning ability in home conditions.
5/72 vs England, Dharamsala (2024)
The Dharamsala Test against England in 2024 was one of Kuldeep’s most memorable games. He delivered an all-round performance — taking 5/72 in the first innings and 2/40 in the second.
With the bat, he chipped in with a useful 30 runs as India posted 477. His efforts led India to an innings and 64-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award on home soil — a truly special moment in his Test career.
5/57 vs West Indies, Rajkot (2018)
Kuldeep’s maiden Test five-wicket haul came against the West Indies in Rajkot, 2018, during his fourth Test appearance. Before this match, he had narrowly missed out on a five-for twice, but this time he achieved the milestone in style.
India dominated the game from start to finish, with debutant Prithvi Shaw scoring a rapid century. Kuldeep’s 5/57 in the second innings wrapped up the match as India triumphed by an innings and 272 runs — one of their biggest wins in Test history.
5/40 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram (2022)
Kuldeep Yadav’s finest Test performance came in Chattogram, Bangladesh, in 2022. He delivered a complete all-round performance, earning his first Player of the Match award in Tests.
In the first innings, he not only scored a valuable 40 runs with the bat but also claimed 5/40 with the ball, dismantling Bangladesh’s lineup. He followed it up with 3/73 in the second innings, finishing the match with eight wickets overall. India went on to win by 188 runs, thanks largely to Kuldeep’s magic.