Top 5 best bowling performances by Kuldeep Yadav in Test cricket

India has always been a powerhouse when it comes to producing world-class spinners. From the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar to modern greats like Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian spinners have consistently left their mark on Test cricket. In today’s era, that proud legacy is being carried forward by Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep has had an impressive start to his international career and has grown into one of India’s top spin options across all three formats. His unique variations and ability to generate turn on almost any pitch make him a valuable asset for the Indian team.

However, his role in Test cricket has been a bit different. Since making his debut in 2017, Kuldeep has played fewer than 20 Tests in his first eight years — largely due to the stiff competition for spots in the Indian spin department. But whenever he’s been given a chance, he has stepped up and delivered with memorable performances.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at Kuldeep Yadav’s best bowling figures in Test cricket.

5. 5/99 vs Australia, Sydney, 2019

Kuldeep Yadav took his first five-wicket haul in an away Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) against Australia in 2019. The match ended in a draw, but it was one India thoroughly dominated. Batting first, India piled on a massive 622/7 declared, thanks to a brilliant 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara and an unbeaten 159 from Rishabh Pant. 

The Indian pacers struck early in Australia’s reply, before Kuldeep took over with his spin, finishing with figures of 5 for 99. He claimed both the first and the last wickets of the innings as Australia were bowled out for 300. India enforced the follow-on, but persistent rain meant the match ended without a result.

4. 5/82 vs West Indies, Delhi, 2025

Kuldeep Yadav delivered a brilliant performance in the home Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Known for being tough to read on Indian pitches, Kuldeep showed exactly why, putting on a spin-bowling masterclass in the first innings of the 2025 Test.

He finished with impressive figures of 5 for 82, helping India bowl out the West Indies for 248 after the hosts had declared on a commanding 518 for 5. Kuldeep's variations and control made life difficult for the West Indies batters, who struggled to pick him throughout the innings.

3. 5/72 vs England, Dharamsala, 2024

Winning the Player of the Match award in Test cricket is a special milestone for any cricketer — and when it happens on home soil, it becomes even more memorable. For Kuldeep Yadav, his second Man of the Match honor in Tests — and his first at home — came in Dharamsala against England in 2024.

Kuldeep had a brilliant all-round performance. He picked up 5 wickets for 72 runs in the first innings and followed it up with 2 for 40 in the second. With the bat, he also chipped in with a handy 30 runs as India posted a massive 477 in their only innings. The hosts went on to win the match by an innings and 64 runs, and Kuldeep was rightfully named Player of the Match for his impactful contribution with both bat and ball.

2. 5/57 vs West Indies, Rajkot, 2018

A maiden five-wicket haul is always a special moment for any Test bowler, and for Kuldeep Yadav, it came in style. He picked up his first Test fifer in just his fourth match, against the West Indies in Rajkot in 2018. Before that, he had come close twice with two four-wicket hauls but couldn’t quite get to five.

In that same match, young Prithvi Shaw made his debut and announced himself with a stunning century off just 99 balls. Kuldeep shone in the second innings, finishing with figures of 5 for 57, wrapping up the game and helping India to a massive win by an innings and 272 runs.

1. 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2022

Kuldeep Yadav earned his first Man of the Match award in Test cricket during India’s tour of Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2022. He delivered a brilliant all-round performance, playing a crucial role in India’s 188-run victory. In the first innings, Kuldeep was exceptional with the ball, picking up 5 wickets for just 40 runs, and also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 40 important runs when India needed them.

He followed it up with 3/73 in the second innings, making it a match haul of eight wickets. On a pitch that offered turn and bounce, Kuldeep was virtually unplayable and proved to be a game-changer for India.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official