Revealed: Why Is Kuldeep Yadav Not In DC’s Playing 11 During IPL 2026 Match vs KKR?

Kuldeep Yadav for DC - (Source: AP)

Delhi Capitals are taking on the three-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, in a crucial mid-table clash at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. What comes as a shocker for fans is the ouster of Kuldeep Yadav from DC’s primary playing 11. 

Thus, in this article, let’s shed light on what could be the reason for Kuldeep Yadav’s absence in today’s DC vs KKR IPL 2026 match.

Is Kuldeep Yadav not playing today? 

A premier left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep is a prominent player in the Delhi Capitals’ squad for the IPL 2026. Known for his unreadable googlies and the ability to turn the ball, a lot depends on how the spinner performs for his team’s overall performance. 

However, the veteran Indian spinner is struggling in the ongoing season, enduring a significant dip in form compared to his previous high standards. Retained for INR 13.25 Cr, he has taken only 7 wickets in 10 matches as of this match, with a high economy rate of 10.36 and has conceded the most sixes (24) in the tournament so far.

Also read: Krunal Pandya Issues Official Statement On Fight With Nicholas Pooran During RCB vs LSG Match

Now, talking about why he has been dropped out of DC’s primary playing 11. 

It is worth noting that winning the toss Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane invited Delhi Capitals to bat first. Thus, the decision to keep Kuldeep out of the first XI is a tactical call by the team’s think tank to add another batting option. 

Moreover, Kuldeep Yadav has been included in the impact substitutions and will most likely be introduced as an impact player later in the game, when Axar Patel requires his services as a bowler.  

Take a look at the playing Xls for both the teams: 

Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar

Impact Player Substitutions: Karun Nair, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, David Miller

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Player Substitutions: Finn Allen, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, Tim Seifert

Also read: From Hardik Pandya To Axar Patel: IPL Captaincy Turns Match-Winners Into Liabilities

When Axar Patel exposed ‘Ineffective’ Kuldeep Yadav against CSK

DC skipper and one of the most vital cogs in the team’s spin bowling department, Axar Patel, during the post-match presentation ceremony after the defeat against the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, admitted his side was below par.

On a pitch that was offering some assistance to bowlers, Axar said that he "missed his partner" Kuldeep Yadav, despite the chinaman spinner bowling 3 overs for 34 runs in the game.

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