Ben Stokes Tormented By Kuldeep Yadav Even After England Retirement

Kuldeep Yadav and Ben Stokes [Source: X.com]

Ben Stokes returned to domestic cricket earlier this month, doing so for the first time since announcing his retirement from the international game. The legendary all-rounder announced his Durham return with a match-winning century against Derbyshire on July 21 in an England One-Day Cup 2026 match in Derby.

The cricketer also smeared another electrifying half-century against Sussex to star in Durham’s comprehensive 72-run win in Chester-le-Street. However, on July 31, past demons seem to have caught up with the former England captain as he got deceived by familiar Indian nemesis Kuldeep Yadav at the Clifton Park Ground in York.

Kuldeep Yadav deceives Ben Stokes in sluggish knock 

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav joined the Yorkshire cricket club earlier this month for the 2026 One-Day Cup. Playing his fourth match of the tournament, the cricketer deceived Durham icon and England’s recently-retired Ben Stokes with a cunning delivery. 

Stokes, batting at number four for Durham in York, got caught by Yorkshire’s George Hill off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav. The legendary England all-rounder faced 29 deliveries to score just 12 runs before making his way back to the sheds.

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Incidentally, this was not the first instance of Kuldeep Yadav getting the better of Stokes. It is worth noting that the former England captain averages just 25 against the ace Indian spinner in international cricket.

Moreover, Kuldeep has dismissed Ben Stokes five times across all forms of the game, including thrice in Test cricket in the space of just one series back in 2024.

Stokes’ England return teased by ECB chief

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket a few weeks ago, doing so in the middle of England’s series-deciding third Test against New Zealand. The cricketer dropped the retirement bombshell mere days after getting entangled in London’s nightclub incident alongside fellow all-rounder Gus Atkinson. 

Despite leaving national duties at the age of just 35, a possible return of Stokes has now been teased by ECB chief Rob Key. 

While speaking with Sky Sports, Key stated that the ECB would gladly accept if Ben Stokes would actually take a U-Turn from his retirement call. However, the former England cricketer also admitted that no formal discussion has taken place between the board and the all-rounder regarding the same. 

Kuldeep Yadav fights on after India snub

Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, is fighting an entirely different battle in England. Excluded from Team India squads off late, the ace spinner took flight to England to join the Yorkshire cricket club for ECB’s 2026 domestic season. 

In his first four matches of the season in the 2026 One-Day Cup, the cricketer has picked up two wickets on each occasion, thus amounting to eight wickets in just four innings. Moreover, Yadav is also averaging an impressive 19.25.

Demonstrating his consistency even on tough English conditions, the Indian spinner is making a strong case for an international recall while reminding everyone why he has long been a thorn in the former England captain’s side.

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