Indian left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has re-established himself as one of the most dangerous spinners in the Indian Premier League. Known for his sharp turn, deceptive variations, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, Kuldeep has been a consistent match-winner in T20 cricket.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Delhi Capitals (DC) showed strong faith in their spin spearhead by retaining Kuldeep Yadav for ₹13.25 crore, making him one of the highest-paid Indian spinners in the league.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2026 Team & Price
- IPL 2026 Team – Delhi Capitals (DC)
- IPL 2026 Retention Price – ₹13.25 Crore
DC’s decision to retain Kuldeep underlines his importance as the leader of their spin attack and a consistent wicket-taker in pressure situations.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Profile
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 14 December 1994 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Spin Bowler |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm Chinaman |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| IPL Debut | 2016 |
| Total IPL Matches | 95+ |
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Career Overview
Kuldeep Yadav made his IPL debut in 2016 and quickly gained recognition as a rare left-arm wrist-spinner. After early success, he reinvented his game and made a strong comeback, becoming a key bowler for the Delhi Capitals.
His ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs has made him one of the most valuable spinners in modern IPL cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Bowling Career Stats (Overall)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures |
| 95+ | 95+ | 24.50 | 8.15 | 18.0 | 4/14 |
Kuldeep averages nearly a wicket per match, showcasing his impact despite bowling on batting-friendly pitches.
Kuldeep Yadav Season-wise IPL Bowling Performance
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Econ | Best |
| 2025 | 14 | 18 | 23.11 | 8.02 | 3/19 |
| 2024 | 15 | 16 | 26.30 | 8.10 | 3/24 |
| 2023 | 14 | 15 | 28.66 | 8.25 | 4/14 |
| 2022 | 14 | 21 | 19.95 | 8.44 | 4/14 |
| 2018 | 16 | 17 | 24.52 | 8.14 | 4/20 |
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Batting Stats
| Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
| 200+ | 16* | 95.00 |
While primarily a bowler, Kuldeep can contribute valuable lower-order runs when needed.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Price & Retention History
| Year | Price | Team | Mode |
| 2016 | ₹0.40 Cr | KKR | Auction |
| 2017 | ₹0.40 Cr | KKR | Auction |
| 2018 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR | Auction |
| 2019 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR | Auction |
| 2020 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR | Auction |
| 2022 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC | Auction |
| 2023 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC | Auction |
| 2024 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC | Auction |
| 2026 | ₹13.25 Cr | DC | Retained |
The ₹13.25 crore retention reflects Kuldeep’s rise as a premium Indian spinner.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Role for DC in IPL 2026
For the Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to:
- Lead the spin bowling attack
- Take wickets in the middle overs
- Control run flow against big hitters
- Bowl in pressure situations
- Mentor young spinners
Strengths of Kuldeep Yadav
- Rare left-arm wrist-spin
- Excellent variation and control
- Proven wicket-taking ability
- Strong comeback mentality
- Experience in IPL & international cricket
Why Delhi Capitals Retained Kuldeep Yadav for IPL 2026
By retaining Kuldeep Yadav for ₹13.25 crore, DC secured a match-winning Indian spinner who can change games single-handedly. His consistency, experience, and ability to take wickets make him a crucial part of DC’s long-term plans.
Conclusion
Kuldeep Yadav’s ₹13.25 crore retention by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 highlights his value as one of the best spinners in the league. With his wicket-taking skills and experience, Kuldeep is set to play a key role in DC’s IPL 2026 campaign.
