Kuldeep Yadav is one of the rare left-arm wrist spinners in world cricket and has been a crucial part of the IPL for nearly a decade. Known for his deceptive googly, sharp drift, and wicket-taking ability in middle overs, Kuldeep is once again set to feature for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. After strong performances for DC in the past few seasons, the franchise retained him for ₹13.25 crore, showing their continued trust in his match-winning skills.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2026 Price & Team
IPL 2026 Team
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
IPL 2026 Price
- ₹13.25 Crore
Kuldeep has been retained by DC for the same price he was bought for in the IPL 2025 Auction, proving his value as the team’s leading spinner.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR |
| 2019 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR |
| 2020 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR |
| 2021 | ₹5.80 Cr | KKR |
| 2022 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC |
| 2023 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC |
| 2024 | ₹2.00 Cr | DC |
| 2025 | ₹13.25 Cr | DC |
| 2026 | ₹13.25 Cr | DC |
His rise from ₹2 crore in 2022 to ₹13.25 crore in 2025 and 2026 reflects his tremendous comeback and consistent bowling form.
Player Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Born | 14 December 1994 |
| Age (2025) | 31 years |
| Role | Bowler |
| Specialization | Left-Arm Wrist Spin (Chinaman) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Nationality | Indian |
| IPL Debut | 2016 |
| IPL Teams | KKR, Delhi Capitals |
Why Kuldeep Yadav is a Key Player for DC
- Rare left-arm wrist spin option
- Reliable wicket-taker in middle overs
- Excellent control with variations
- Strong performance in IPL 2022 (21 wickets)
- Improved consistency over last 3 seasons
- Trusted for tough overs and match-turning spells
Kuldeep’s unique bowling style gives DC an edge that few teams possess.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Career Stats
Batting & Fielding Stats
| Season | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 4s | 6s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2.50 | 62.50 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | 14 | 18 | 7 | 6.00 | 112.50 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 11 | 47 | 35* | 15.67 | 114.63 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 14 | 31 | 10* | 15.50 | 64.58 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | 14 | 48 | 16* | 48.00 | 92.31 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| All IPL | 102 | 206 | 35* | 12.11 | 85.83 | 18 | 3 | 22 |
Though a bowling specialist, Kuldeep’s batting has improved, offering helpful lower-order runs.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL Bowling Stats
| Season | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | Best | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 78 | 128 | 3 | 2/31 | 42.66 | 9.84 | 26.0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 14 | 306 | 361 | 15 | 3/22 | 24.07 | 7.08 | 20.40 | 0 |
| 2024 | 11 | 258 | 374 | 16 | 4/55 | 23.38 | 8.70 | 16.13 | 1 |
| 2023 | 14 | 294 | 361 | 10 | 2/15 | 36.10 | 7.37 | 29.40 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 298 | 419 | 21 | 4/14 | 19.95 | 8.44 | 14.19 | 2 |
| 2016–2020 (KKR) | 45 | — | — | — | 4/20 | — | — | — | — |
| All IPL | 102 | 2130 | 2877 | 105 | 4/14 | 27.40 | 8.10 | 20.2 | 4 |
Kuldeep’s best season remains 2022, where he took 21 wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav – Last 10 IPL Bowling Performances
| Match | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Match 18 vs CSK | 0/24 |
| Match 14 vs GT | 1/42 |
| Match 8 vs MI | 0/31 |
| Match 5 vs LSG | 2/31 |
| Match 66 vs PBKS | 2/39 |
| Match 63 vs MI | 1/22 |
| Match 60 vs GT | 0/37 |
| Match 58 vs PBKS | 0/29 |
| Match 48 vs KKR | 0/27 |
| Match 46 vs RCB | 0/28 |
These numbers show he has remained a consistent wicket-taker and plays a key role in restricting runs.
Kuldeep Yadav: Career Journey & Achievements
Kuldeep’s journey is one of rare skill and remarkable comeback:
Key Highlights
- First Indian to take a hat-trick in U19 World Cup
- Best IPL season in 2022 with 21 wickets
- Central role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory
- Key bowler in Champions Trophy 2025
- One of the few bowlers with a 5-wicket haul in all 3 formats internationally
- Career-best IPL figure: 4/14
His ability to turn the ball both ways makes him strong against top-order batters.
See Also: Biggest Trade in IPL History
Kuldeep Yadav’s Role in IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals retained him because:
- He leads the spin attack
- Provides breakthroughs in middle overs
- Works well with DC’s pace-heavy setup
- Offers experience and calmness in crucial games
His partnership with DC’s other bowlers will be vital in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
Kuldeep Yadav enters IPL 2026 as one of Delhi Capitals’ most important bowlers. With over 105 wickets, unique wrist-spin skills, and consistent performances over recent seasons, he continues to be a match-winner in the league. DC’s decision to retain him for ₹13.25 crore underlines his enormous value in IPL cricket and his potential to deliver another big season.
