Kuldeep Yadav's reset pays off as India spinner rediscovers form after IPL struggles

After a disappointing IPL 2026 season, Kuldeep Yadav has quietly worked his way back into form. The left-arm wrist-spinner struggled for consistency during the tournament and failed to produce the impact expected of him. But instead of dwelling on a tough campaign, Kuldeep used the break after the IPL to reset both mentally and technically.

The India spinner spent extra time in the nets, worked on the basics of his bowling and focused on regaining the rhythm that has made him one of the country's most dependable wicket-takers in white-ball cricket. The hard work is now beginning to show. With improved control, confidence and sharpness, Kuldeep looks refreshed and ready to play a key role for India once again as the team prepares for a busy stretch of international cricket.

Back to basics after IPL struggles

Kuldeep endured a difficult IPL season with Delhi Capitals, picking up only 10 wickets in 12 matches while struggling for consistency. The numbers were a far cry from the standards he has set in international cricket, but the left-arm spinner refused to let the lean patch affect his long-term outlook.

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Instead, Kuldeep focused on returning to the basics. During India's preparations for the ODI series against Afghanistan, he spent extended periods in the nets working on his rhythm, control and variations. The sessions allowed him to fine-tune his bowling and regain the confidence that appeared to have dipped during the IPL.

The format change also came as a welcome relief. Moving away from the relentless demands of T20 cricket allowed Kuldeep to focus on patience, accuracy and wicket-taking plans.

Hard work begins to pay off

The extra work has already started showing results. In recent appearances, Kuldeep has looked sharper and more in control, troubling batters with turn, flight and subtle variations in pace.

His return to form comes at an important time for India, which is managing player workloads and preparing for key assignments later in the year. A confident Kuldeep adds both balance and attacking firepower to the bowling unit.

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The spinner's resurgence is also a reminder of his resilience. Rather than allowing a poor IPL season to define him, Kuldeep treated it as a learning experience and used the break to reset mentally and technically.

As India looks ahead to a packed international schedule, the 31-year-old appears ready to play a leading role once again. His journey from an underwhelming IPL campaign to renewed confidence underlines the value of patience, persistence and hard work.