IND vs SA, 2nd Test: Kuldeep Yadav Spins a Web, Bewildering Friends and Foes Alike

In a landscape shaped by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and various T20 leagues, the concept of ‘trade’ secrets among cricket players has diminished, with frequent player interactions across teams making it challenging to keep strategies hidden. However, Kuldeep Yadav of India seems to have outsmarted this trend with his foresight. The left-arm wrist spinner notably avoided bowling to his Delhi Capitals teammate Tristan Stubbs during IPL practice sessions.

Stubbs mentioned in a podcast last year that he had attempted multiple times to bat against Kuldeep in the nets, but Kuldeep wouldn’t oblige. This strategy paid off for Kuldeep during India’s second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, where he successfully dismissed a well-set Stubbs, who was at 49 runs. The dismissal reduced South Africa to 187 for four, leveling the playing field in a match where India had been struggling to keep up.

Among the three wickets Kuldeep claimed that day, the dismissal of Stubbs stood out. Kuldeep’s tactic not to bowl to his fellow IPL teammate seemed to have yielded dividends as Stubbs had to face Kuldeep in the pressure of a Test match. Following the match, Stubbs recounted their friendly banter, noting how Kuldeep jokingly mentioned he could no longer claim Kuldeep hadn’t bowled to him.

Stubbs initially managed Kuldeep’s deliveries well, utilizing proactive footwork to counter the spinner’s overspin, including one strike that sent the ball for six. Yet, it was precisely what he had previously anticipated—Kuldeep using drift—that led to his downfall. In Kuldeep’s third delivery spell, he bowled outside the off stump, and Stubbs, following the ball with outstretched hands, edged it to KL Rahul at first slip.

This encounter highlighted Kuldeep’s ability to adapt and exploit conditions, showcasing his wicket-taking expertise, which rivals even that of teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin creates awkward angles, enhancing his effectiveness when combined with his dip and drift skills, particularly on red-soil pitches like that in Guwahati.

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate affirmed Kuldeep’s effectiveness, noting his exceptional strike rate and effectiveness due to the overspin and pitch conditions. Despite challenges breaking into India’s playing XI for away Tests, Kuldeep continues to prove his value by consistently overcoming unfavorable conditions and diligently protecting his strategic approach. This performance strengthens his case for a permanent spot in the Indian cricket team.

Published on November 22, 2025.