India spinner Kuldeep Yadav made a huge impact during his short stint with Yorkshire, registering his maiden 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket. The left-arm wrist-spinner played a key role in Yorkshire’s emphatic innings and 106-run victory over Essex at Headingley, helping the county secure their Division One status with three days to spare.
Kuldeep finished the match with impressive figures of 10/120. He picked up 4/70 in the first innings before returning with 6/50 in the second to complete his 10-wicket match haul. His outstanding performance also earned him the County Championship Player of the Round award.
The achievement was even more impressive considering Headingley isn’t traditionally known as a venue that heavily assists spinners. Kuldeep revealed that he initially found very little help from the surface but focused on putting pressure on the batters and forcing them into mistakes.
“It wasn’t a rank turner; Headingley is not known for that,” Kuldeep said in a statement on Monday. “I was just trying to make the batters make mistakes.”
Kuldeep found a way to become more effective in the second innings after noticing the footmarks outside the stumps. The Indian spinner altered his angles and bowled both over and around the wicket to keep the Essex batters guessing.
His variations and accuracy eventually paid off as he repeatedly troubled Essex’s middle order and completed his first 10-wicket haul in red-ball cricket.
Yorkshire keen to have Kuldeep Yadav back
Kuldeep’s performance has further strengthened his connection with Yorkshire, who signed him on a short-term deal in July. His stint was interrupted by India’s Test series in Sri Lanka, while he also featured in Yorkshire’s defeat to Surrey at The Oval.
Despite spending limited time with the county, Kuldeep has made a strong impression on his teammates and coaching staff. After his memorable performance at Headingley, the spinner also expressed his desire to return to the County Championship.
The 31-year-old described Headingley as his “ultimate home” and promised to return after completing his maiden 10-wicket haul.
“When I was about to get the sixth one, I thought, ‘Give me one more, let me complete the ten-wicket haul!’” he said.
“I’ll definitely come back, that’s a promise.”
Yorkshire head coach Anthony McGrath was also impressed with Kuldeep’s performance and made it clear that the county would be happy to have him back. He praised the spinner’s control and ability to constantly change his angles while setting up batters.
“You could see how much he spins it and his control of spin was just sensational,” McGrath said.
Dom Bess praises Kuldeep’s love for the craft
Kuldeep has also quickly developed a strong bond with the Yorkshire dressing room. His spin-bowling partner Dom Bess, who picked up five wickets in the match, praised the Indian for his enthusiasm and passion for the game.
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Bess also shared an 83-run eighth-wicket partnership with Kuldeep during Yorkshire’s first innings and highlighted how much the Indian enjoys bowling.
“The thing I love about KD is the love of craft. He comes here to play and absolutely loves it,” Bess said.
McGrath further underlined Yorkshire’s interest in bringing Kuldeep back, saying the county would “bite his hand off” to have the spinner return for another campaign.
