Kuldeep Yadav's IPL Records and Stats against Kolkata Knight Riders

2 weeks ago 28

Kuldeep Yadav is currently one of the finest spinners in Indian cricket and a strong pillar for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kuldeep was previously with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) where he made rapid strides in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. However, the left-arm wrist spinner saw a sudden dip in his form both at the international level and in the IPL.

Kuldeep had forgettable outings in the 2019 and 2021 seasons and was sidelined by the two-time champions in 2021. He was never ready to give up and the cricketing fraternity witnessed his redemption when DC snapped him up in the 2022 mega auction. Taking 21 wickets in just 14 matches, he showed the 2.0 version of himself.

The 29-year-old continued his scintillating form the following season and has been on a roll this time around. Kuldeep is currently the fifth-leading wicket-taker in the 2024 IPL with 12 scalps from seven matches. He is a key cog in the DC bowling unit and will again be heavily relied upon as he prepares to take on his former franchise.

Kuldeep Yadav overall stats vs KKR

Total Matches Played - 3

Innings - 3

Wickets - 10

Average – 6.40

Strike Rate - 6.0

4w/5w – 2/0

Best Bowling Figure – 4/14

Kuldeep Yadav’s memorable performance against Kolkata Knight Riders

Notably, Kuldeep Yadav's memorable performance against KKR is the best in league history. He recorded his best bowling performance in the IPL with a four-wicket haul against KKR in the 41st match of the 2022 season. Kuldeep wreaked havoc in the middle overs, dismissing KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, Baba Indrajith, Sunil Narine and the dangerous Andre Russell.

He conceded just 14 runs in his three overs and turned the fortunes in favour of DC. Captain Rishabh Pant was questioned for not completing Kuldeep’s quota of four overs. KKR were restricted to 146/9 and DC chased down the target for the loss of four wickets in 19 overs.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets

Key Battles for Kuldeep Yadav against Kolkata Knight Riders

Andre Russell – Kuldeep Yadav is likely to have an enticing battle with KKR finisher Andre Russell. The big man has a strike rate of 173.17 against left-arm spinners since 2022, but the DC spinner has got the better of Russell in previous IPL meetings. Kuldeep is currently slightly ahead of Russell in terms of form and it remains to be seen how he will fare against the latter in the upcoming match.

Sunil Narine – The KKR pinch-hitter has proved in multiple games that he is more than just a powerplay wonder. Narine was at the crease till the 13th over with a 39-ball 85 when the two teams met earlier this month. He is going to be a threat in the upcoming match and DC will hope Kuldeep gets rid of him before he does any serious damage.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs