Kuldeep Yadav played for DC in IPL 2026. Image Credits- AFP
Kuldeep Yadav was recently traded to Lucknow Super Giants, as DC exchanged its lead spinner for former captain Rishabh Pant in a lucrative trade deal in the IPL.
The left-arm wrist-spinner is one rare bowler, who is a three-format player for India. Moreover, he has been a wicket-taker in the toughest T20 as well. Although he had a poor last season for Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep knows and loves to operate in the middle phase of an innings.
Looking at the trade, Kuldeep's switch to LSG would only be beneficial for the tweaker, as he would play his seven home games at Ekana - the UP spinner's home ground.
In this article, we will look at all four teams Kuldeep Yadav has been part of in the IPL.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL teams (2012-2027)
Mumbai Indians (2012)
With the Mumbai Indians, a young 17-year-old Kuldeep Yadav found his first home in the big boys' league. He was an unknown commodity back then, and MI scouted the teenager, signing him for INR 10 lakhs for IPL 2012.
As Mumbai had Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha’s experience, the two senior spinners got the nod ahead. At MI, Kuldeep never got a game in the IPL.
Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2021)
After not playing in IPL 2013, Kuldeep Yadav was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, when the franchise won its second trophy.
Kuldeep, who came in with a successful U19 World Cup campaign, was bought by the franchise for INR 40 lakh. However, he had to warm the bench for two years in Kolkata. He got his maiden IPL cap in IPL 2016, playing three matches in his maiden season.
Also Read: David Warner’s Cryptic Reply To DC Owner On Kuldeep Yadav Farewell Sends Fans Into Frenzy
By IPL 2017, he had become a regular for KKR along with Sunil Narine and Shakib Al Hasan in their spin department. However, Varun Chakaravarthy’s arrival coincided with Kuldeep’s injury phase. As he could only pick a single wicket (in five innings) in 2020, KKR decided to let him go.
Delhi Capitals (2022-2026)
After KKR, Kuldeep Yadav found a new home with Delhi Capitals. He was used to perfection by the then-captain, Rishabh Pant, and he took no time to become their go-to man in tough situations.
During his time at DC, the spinner took 72 wickets in 63 innings at an economy of 8.24. It was the most by any Delhi bowler in those five seasons. However, after a tough time in IPL 2026, when he was benched in a couple of games, DC decided to trade Kuldeep to LSG for Pant.
Lucknow Super Giants (2027*)
Lucknow Super Giants will become Kuldeep Yadav's fourth IPL team. The Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade will be a win-win for the spinner and Lucknow, as the spin-aiding pitches at Ekana would favour Kuldeep more than anyone.
Lucknow Super Giants will become Kuldeep Yadav's fourth IPL team. The Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade will be a win-win for the spinner and Lucknow, as the spin-aiding pitches at Ekana would favour Kuldeep more than anyone.
After 110 IPL matches, Kuldeep has racked up 112 wickets, making him a lethal wicket-taking option. Now, he is experienced, wiser and calmer than ever.
Kuldeep Yadav IPL 2025 Price
The IPL 2025 saw the biggest-making edition for Kuldeep Yadav as a cricketer in the lucrative league. The Delhi Capitals retained the left-arm spinner for a whopping price of INR 13.25 crore.
That season, DC invested heavily in their spin department, with Axar Patel bagging a 16.5 crore contract, while Kuldeep was the second-highest-paid retained player.
Kuldeep ended the IPL 2025 season with 15 wickets in 13 innings, but his economy rate of around 7 was the talking point. Delhi retained the tweaker next season as well, but only for him to have a mediocre season - 11 innings, 10 wickets.
Notably, the 31-year-old will play for LSG for INR 13.50 crore, which will be his fattest IPL cheque ever.
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