In the high-stakes arena of the final ODI against South Africa, one man turned the game on its head with a spell of wristy wizardry. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s premier left-arm chinaman bowler, didn’t just take wickets—he rewrote the history books. His figures of 4 for 41 were not just match-defining; they were milestone-making. With that performance, Kuldeep claimed his 11th ODI 4-wicket haul, a feat that catapulted him past the legendary Anil Kumble to stand alone as the Indian spinner with the most such hauls in the 50-over format [[1], [7]].
Table of Contents
- Kuldeep Surpasses Kumble: The New King of 4-Wicket Hauls
- Dominating the Proteas: Kuldeep’s Special Rivalry
- The Complete List: Indian Bowlers with Most 4-Wicket Hauls
- Why Kuldeep’s Spin is a Nightmare for Batsmen
- Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Spin
- Sources
Kuldeep Surpasses Kumble: The New King of 4-Wicket Hauls
For years, Anil Kumble’s name was synonymous with spin dominance for India. His 10 four-wicket hauls in ODIs stood as a benchmark for a generation of spinners. But on December 6, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, that benchmark was officially eclipsed. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-wicket haul in the series decider wasn’t just another performance; it was a coronation .
This achievement places Kuldeep in rarefied air. He now joins an elite group of Indian bowlers, sitting just behind pace legends Mohammed Shami (16 hauls) and Ajit Agarkar (12 hauls) on the all-time list for India [[19], [23]]. The significance is amplified by the fact that these hauls are a key metric for a bowler’s ability to single-handedly dismantle a batting lineup.
Dominating the Proteas: Kuldeep’s Special Rivalry
South Africa seems to have a particular vulnerability to Kuldeep’s unique action and deceptive googly. This latest 4-wicket haul was his fifth against the Proteas in ODIs, a remarkable statistic that underscores a consistent dominance .
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- In 16 ODI matches against South Africa, Kuldeep has snared a staggering 36 wickets.
- He boasts an exceptional bowling average of just 17.58 against them .
- His economy rate in these contests is a miserly 4.26 runs per over.
This consistent performance, even on pitches that aren’t always spin-friendly, highlights his tactical acumen and adaptability. While Quinton de Kock’s brilliant 106 threatened to take the game away, Kuldeep’s ability to strike at crucial junctures, reducing the Proteas from a comfortable 199/4 to a final total of 270, was the game’s turning point .
The Complete List: Indian Bowlers with Most 4-Wicket Hauls
To fully appreciate Kuldeep’s standing, here’s a look at the top performers for India in this specific category:
| Rank | Bowler | 4-Wicket Hauls (ODIs) | Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Shami | 16 | Right-arm Fast |
| 2 | Ajit Agarkar | 12 | Right-arm Fast |
| 3 | Kuldeep Yadav | 11 | Left-arm Chinaman |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | 10 | Leg-break |
| 4 | Javagal Srinath | 10 | Right-arm Fast |
As the table shows, Kuldeep is the only specialist spinner in the top three, a testament to his exceptional wicket-taking prowess in the modern ODI game.
Why Kuldeep’s Spin is a Nightmare for Batsmen
Kuldeep’s success isn’t just about statistics; it’s about his unique skill set. As a left-arm wrist-spinner (chinaman), he offers a dual threat:
1. Deceptive Turn and Bounce: His stock delivery, the chinaman, turns away from the right-hander, often catching the edge.
2. The Deadly Googly: His wrong’un, the googly, skids on with the arm, trapping batsmen LBW or bowled. This variation is his primary wicket-taking weapon.
On a pitch like the one in Vizag, where there was just enough assistance, his ability to extract sharp turn and maintain a consistent line and length made him unplayable. His partnership with Prasidh Krishna, who also claimed four wickets, created relentless pressure that the South African middle order simply couldn’t handle .
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Spin
Kuldeep Yadav’s 11th ODI 4-wicket haul is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch. He has firmly established himself as India’s go-to wicket-taking spinner in the 50-over format, a role once dominated by the great Anil Kumble. His mastery over South Africa and his consistent ability to deliver match-winning spells make him an indispensable asset for Team India’s future, especially leading into major ICC events. As he continues to add to his tally, he’s not just chasing records—he’s setting a new standard for wrist-spin in the modern game.
Sources
Times of India: Kuldeep takes 11th 4-wicket haul; surpasses this Indian legendary spinner
ESPNcricinfo