Kuldeep Yadav returned to Yorkshire following his exclusion from India’s Test and T20I squads with a performance that underlined his quality as a first-class cricketer. The left-arm wrist spinner took career-best match figures of 10 for 120 as Yorkshire defeated Essex by an innings and 106 runs at Headingley on September 8-10, 2026. Kuldeep claimed 4 for 70 from 20 overs in Essex’s first innings and 6 for 50 from 16 overs in the second, dismantling the opposition batting with control and variation.
The performance came after Kuldeep was dropped for India’s second Test in Colombo following an indifferent start to the series. He had taken one wicket in India’s opening Test victory at Galle but was left out of the subsequent match. Additionally, Kuldeep was excluded from India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan tour beginning September 13, 2026 and the Asian Games later this month.
Yorkshire coach Anthony McGrath responded to the India snub by offering unequivocal backing for the spinner’s abilities and character.
“You could see how much he spins it and his control of spin was just sensational. He’s an amazing character and his passion for the game… he just loves bowling. We’ve been fortunate now for the last year and a bit. The overseas we’ve had have all enjoyed it, and they’ve all said that when they can, they would like to come back,” McGrath told the Yorkshire Post.
“Someone of Kuldeep’s mentality and skill-set speaks for itself. He’s also batted very well and got some crucial runs. So, if he can come back at some point, of course we’d make that work,” he added.
Kuldeep’s commitment and Yorkshire’s future plans
McGrath emphasised Yorkshire’s eagerness to retain Kuldeep for future seasons. The coach stated that the club would be willing to accommodate the spinner’s schedule if he became available again. Kuldeep has one game remaining in his current deal, which comprises the One-Day Cup and three County Championship matches.
“He wanted to put in a real performance this week, and he certainly did that with a ten-fer to help win us the game,” McGrath said.
