Team India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style, crushing UAE by 9 wickets. India chased down the target in just 27 balls, registering a record-breaking victory. But the real architect of this win was Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm spinner who once thought of quitting cricket and even considered suicide. Today, he not only won Player of the Match, but also etched his name in Asia Cup history.

Kuldeep Yadav Creates Bowling Record

Against UAE, Kuldeep bowled a magical spell—4 wickets for just 7 runs. With this, he became the best performing spinner in Asia Cup history, surpassing Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, who had figures of 4/8 against Hong Kong in 2022.

Among all bowlers, however, the record is still held by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/4 vs Afghanistan, 2022).

The Dark Phase in Kuldeep’s Life

Kuldeep once revealed in an interview that at the age of 13, he was so disheartened after failing to make it into the UP U-15 team that he even thought about ending his life. Disappointment and self-doubt clouded his mind, but he fought back, worked tirelessly, and rose through the ranks to become one of India’s finest wrist-spinners.

From Benched to Match-Winner

Despite his talent, Kuldeep has often been overlooked in Team India’s playing XI. On the England tour, he didn’t get a single chance in five Test matches, even though he was in form. Yet, he stayed patient, waited for his opportunity, and when it came in the Asia Cup 2025, he grabbed it with both hands.

Now, with India set to face arch-rivals Pakistan on 14th September, all eyes will once again be on Kuldeep Yadav.