With less than 18 months remaining for the ODI World Cup 2027, India's team management has already begun identifying the core group that will travel to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia for the marquee ICC event. While several positions remain open for competition, one role that continues to revolve around a single name is that of Kuldeep Yadav.
However, Kuldeep has responded in the best possible manner. His excellent performances in England's One-Day Cup have once again reminded everyone why India simply cannot afford to move away from their most experienced chinaman bowler.
As India gradually shifts its focus towards the World Cup 2027, Kuldeep's ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs makes him arguably the most irreplaceable spinner in India's ODI setup.
Kuldeep Yadav answers critics with impressive England One-Day Cup campaign
After missing out on opportunities during India's ODI tour of England, Kuldeep immediately returned to county cricket and rediscovered his rhythm while representing Yorkshire in the England One-Day Cup.
Match
Figures
vs Glamorgan
2/39
vs Sussex
2/58
vs Worcestershire
2/34
vs Durham
2/23
vs Middlesex
1/55
In five innings, the left-arm wrist-spinner claimed nine wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.46, striking once in every 31 deliveries.
More importantly than the wickets, Kuldeep Yadav looked confident once again. His variations were sharper, his control was significantly better, and he consistently troubled batters during the middle overs.
For someone who had recently been left out of India's ODI plans, it was perhaps the perfect statement ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Kuldeep Yadav's ICC tournament record proves why India trust him
When ICC tournaments arrive, teams require bowlers capable of breaking partnerships rather than merely containing runs. Kuldeep has repeatedly shown that he belongs in that category.
Tournament
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
ODI World Cup
18
21
36.23
4.69
Asia Cup (ODI)
11
19
17.89
3.93
ICC Champions Trophy
5
7
31.85
4.79
ODI World Cup
Although the wickets have not come at an extraordinary strike rate during the two ODI World Cups, Kuldeep has consistently maintained an economy below five runs per over despite bowling through the middle phase, where attacking batters generally target spinners.
Asia Cup (ODI)
The Asia Cup remains one of Kuldeep's finest ODI tournaments. His average below 18 and economy below four underline how dominant he has been against Asian opposition.
His memorable five-wicket haul against Pakistan during the 2023 Asia Cup remains one of the defining bowling performances by an Indian spinner in recent years.
ICC Champions Trophy
Even in the Champions Trophy, Kuldeep continued performing his role effectively by controlling the middle overs while regularly picking up crucial wickets.
Across ICC events, India have repeatedly turned towards Kuldeep whenever breakthroughs have been required.
Kuldeep Yadav's series-by-series record shows remarkable consistency
One of Kuldeep's biggest strengths has been his ability to deliver across different opposition rather than dominating only weaker teams.
Opposition
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
South Africa
16
36
17.58
4.95
Pakistan
7
15
14
3.88
West Indies
19
33
21.51
4.72
Sri Lanka
15
22
22.27
4.25
New Zealand
16
27
30.14
5.89
England
9
14
34.78
5.75
Against South Africa, arguably the conditions most similar to the upcoming World Cup 2027, Kuldeep has been outstanding.
His performances against South Africa deserve particular attention because the World Cup 2027 will primarily be played there.
Kuldeep has already picked up 36 wickets in just 16 ODIs against the Proteas at an outstanding average of 17.58, proving he understands the conditions exceptionally well.
Similarly, his record against Pakistan and West Indies highlights his ability to dominate quality batting line-ups rather than merely accumulating wickets against lower-ranked teams.
Kuldeep's year-by-year numbers show how strongly he bounced back
Like every spinner, Kuldeep has experienced difficult phases. Between 2020 and 2021, injuries and loss of confidence severely affected his performances. However, what separates elite cricketers from others is their ability to respond. Kuldeep did exactly that.
Year
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
2020
5
6
53.83
6.46
2021
4
2
127.5
6.71
2022
8
12
27.75
4.95
2023
30
49
20.48
4.61
2025
11
19
29
5.28
The standout campaign remains 2023. He finished with 49 wickets in 30 ODIs, averaging just 20.48, making him one of the world's most dangerous wicket-taking spinners throughout the year.
Although 2026 has been underwhelming statistically, with only three wickets in four matches, it remains too small a sample size to undermine nearly a decade of consistent ODI excellence.
Kuldeep guarantees wickets, something India desperately need
Modern ODI cricket has increasingly become about bowlers who can take wickets instead of simply restricting scoring.
Kuldeep perfectly fits that profile. His strike rate of nearly one wicket every 32 deliveries remains among the best for Indian ODI spinners during the last decade.
Yes, Kuldeep occasionally concedes boundaries while attacking. But that attacking approach also produces wickets. India have repeatedly preferred wicket-taking bowlers over defensive options because breakthroughs ultimately win ODI matches.
Result
Wickets
Average
Economy
India Won
154
23.51
4.77
India Lost
33
45
6.08
His numbers also become even more impressive in victories. Whenever Kuldeep performs well, India's chances of winning increase dramatically.
Who can realistically challenge Kuldeep?
On paper, Ravindra Jadeja remains India's biggest spin competitor in ODI cricket. However, Jadeja has not consistently operated as India's primary attacking spinner for quite some time.
His role has largely evolved into controlling one end, building pressure and supporting the wicket-taking bowlers. Kuldeep, meanwhile, remains India's designated strike spinner.
Among the current ODI options, India possess several talented slow bowlers, but none replicate Kuldeep's unique left-arm wrist-spin. Ravi Bishnoi remains largely a white-ball T20 specialist at present.
Varun Chakaravarthy has established himself mainly in T20 cricket. Washington Sundar offers batting depth but functions more as a containing off-spinner.
Axar Patel performs a different role altogether. That leaves Kuldeep as India's only experienced chinaman spinner capable of consistently dismantling batting line-ups in ODI cricket.
Why Kuldeep remains indispensable for World Cup 2027
The conditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will undoubtedly assist fast bowlers. Yet history has repeatedly shown that wrist-spinners often become match-winners in ICC tournaments because batters attack them in search of quick runs.
Kuldeep's experience across two ODI World Cups, an Asia Cup triumph, multiple ICC tournaments and over 190 ODI wickets makes him an invaluable asset heading into another World Cup cycle.
His recent performances in England's One-Day Cup have also demonstrated that his confidence remains intact despite temporarily falling out of favour.
![Kuldeep Yadav with the Indian team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1785752209811_KuldeepYadavwithIndiateam.jpg?type=hq)
Kuldeep Yadav with the Indian team [Source: AFP]
