India has always produced world-class spinners who have left an indelible mark on cricket. Legends like Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Anil Kumble, and Ravichandran Ashwin have consistently dominated the longest format. Even in modern cricket, players like Kuldeep Yadav are carrying forward that rich legacy.
Kuldeep Yadav has enjoyed a strong start to his international career and is now one of India’s leading spinners across all three formats. His variations and ability to generate spin on any surface make him a vital asset for the Indian team.
However, his role in Test cricket has been somewhat limited. Since his debut in 2017, he has played fewer than 20 Tests in the first eight years of his career. Yet, whenever given the opportunity, he has delivered impressive performances. With that in mind, let’s take a look at his best bowling figures in Test cricket.
Best Bowling Performances by Kuldeep Yadav in Test Cricket
Kuldeep Yadav 5/99 vs Australia, Sydney, 2019
Kuldeep Yadav claimed his first five-wicket haul in an away Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia in 2019. India dominated much of the game, declaring their first innings at 622/7 with centuries from Cheteshwar Pujara (193) and Rishabh Pant (159*). After the pacers struck early, Kuldeep spun his magic, taking 5/99, including the first and last wickets. Australia was bowled out for 300, and India enforced the follow-on. Despite India’s dominance, rain forced the match to end in a draw.
Kuldeep Yadav 5/82 vs West Indies, Delhi, 2025
In a home Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kuldeep delivered a brilliant performance on a pitch that rarely favors spinners. He recorded figures of 5/82, helping India dismiss the West Indies for 248 after posting 518/5d in the first innings. His precise bowling made it difficult for the visitors’ batters to read him, showcasing his mastery on home soil.
Kuldeep Yadav 5/72 vs England, Dharamsala, 2024
Kuldeep’s first Man of the Match award on home soil came during a Test against England in Dharamsala in 2024. He starred with both bat and ball, taking 5/72 in the first innings and 2/40 in the second. Contributing 30 runs with the bat, he helped India post 477. India won by an innings and 64 runs, with Kuldeep’s all-round performance earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
Kuldeep Yadav 5/57 vs West Indies, Rajkot, 2018
Kuldeep claimed his maiden Test fifer in his fourth Test, against the West Indies in Rajkot. Having narrowly missed earlier opportunities with two four-wicket hauls, he finally completed the milestone, taking 5/57 in the second innings. The match also saw Prithvi Shaw score a rapid 99-ball century. Kuldeep’s effort helped India secure a dominant innings and 272-run victory.
Kuldeep Yadav 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2022
Kuldeep Yadav’s finest Test bowling performance came against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2022, earning him his first Man of the Match award. He was unplayable, taking 5/40 in the first innings and contributing a crucial 40 runs with the bat. He followed it up with 3/73 in the second innings, helping India win by 188 runs and highlighting his all-round impact on the game.
