Kuldeep Yadav has quietly become India’s second-most important bowler in white-ball cricket – and the South Africa ODI was a timely reminder of why.
In the first IND vs SA ODI, Kuldeep delivered a match-defining spell: 10 overs, 68 runs, 4 crucial wickets, including the turning point where he removed Marco Jansen and Breetzke in the same over.
Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s most impactful middle-overs enforcer, a rare attacking option who prevents teams from dominating between overs 11–40. Even if he goes for runs, his wicket-taking ability shifts the momentum instantly. His breakthroughs in the middle overs reduce pressure in the death overs, making him India’s true strike-weapon—similar to how Australia relies on Mitchell Starc or Adam Zampa for impact.
This video breaks down why Kuldeep Yadav’s role is irreplaceable and why he deserves far more appreciation than he gets.
