Kuldeep Yadav: The Real ‘Impact Player’ of India’s ODI Series Win Over South Africa

In a series packed with high-octane drama and stunning comebacks, one name stood out for his quiet yet devastating effectiveness: Kuldeep Yadav. As India wrapped up a hard-fought 2-1 ODI series victory over a formidable South African side, the spotlight wasn’t just on the big-hitting batters. It fell squarely on the left-arm wrist spinner who was officially crowned the Impact Player of the series—a title he earned with sweat, skill, and a bucketload of wickets.

But the real celebration happened off the field, in the dressing room, where Virat Kohli’s playful “Ro de, ro de!” (roughly translating to “Cry, cry!” in a teasing manner) became the talk of the cricketing world . Let’s dive into why Kuldeep’s performance was the backbone of India’s success and how this moment of levity showcased the team’s incredible camaraderie.

Table of Contents

• Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact Player Performance: By the Numbers
• The Dressing Room Drama: Virat Kohli’s Funny Tease
• Why Kuldeep Was India’s Real Impact Player
• What’s Next for Team India?
• Conclusion
• Sources

Kuldeep Yadav’s Impact Player Performance: By the Numbers

Kuldeep Yadav’s series was nothing short of spectacular. In a three-match contest, he emerged as the highest wicket-taker, scalping a remarkable 9 wickets at an astonishing average of just 20.77 . His economy rate of 3.62 runs per over was a masterclass in controlling the middle overs, a phase where many spinners struggle.

His best figures came in the series opener, where he returned with 4 for 66, playing a crucial role in containing South Africa’s chase . In a series where India’s top-order stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced their share of challenges early on, it was Kuldeep’s consistent threat that kept the pressure on the Proteas.

This performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It was a statement of his importance in the current Indian setup, especially in white-ball cricket. His ability to break partnerships and deliver in high-pressure situations was the decisive factor in India taking the series.

The Dressing Room Drama: Virat Kohli’s Funny Tease

The official post-series celebrations were capped off with a light-hearted dressing room ceremony, where Kuldeep Yadav was awarded the Impact Player medal. As he stood to receive his award, none other than Virat Kohli, the team’s most passionate figure, shouted out his now-famous line: “Ro de, ro de!” .

The moment, captured in a BCCI video that quickly went viral , perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of fierce competition and deep brotherhood within the Indian team. Kohli’s tease was a playful jab, a way of celebrating Kuldeep’s success by pretending to mock him—a classic in-joke among teammates who’ve been through the trenches together.

It’s these unguarded, human moments that fans connect with deeply. They show that behind the stats and the headlines, Team India is a group of friends who support and, yes, lovingly roast each other.

Why Kuldeep Was India’s Real Impact Player

In a series that saw brilliant individual knocks, like Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century in the decider , Kuldeep’s contribution was the consistent thread that tied India’s victories together. His role was pivotal for three key reasons:

1. Wicket-Taking Prowess: He led the wicket-taking charts, proving he’s the go-to bowler when a breakthrough is needed.
2. Control in the Middle Overs: His 3.62 economy rate provided the captain with control during a crucial phase of the game, allowing the team to set up attacks with the new ball later.
3. Mental Pressure: His unorthodox action and constant turn forced batters into mistakes, creating a sense of unease even on batting-friendly pitches.

He truly embodied the “impact” in Impact Player, a title that has become a significant internal metric for Team India to gauge a player’s value beyond just runs and wickets.

What’s Next for Team India?

With the ODI series in the bag, the Indian team now shifts its focus to the upcoming T20I series against South Africa . Kuldeep Yadav’s form will be a massive asset in the shortest format as well, where his variations and clever bowling can be even more potent in a 20-over contest.

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts looking to build their squads, a player in such rich form is a no-brainer pick. Keep an eye on how this momentum translates to the T20Is, as Team India looks to continue its dominance at home.

Conclusion

Kuldeep Yadav’s award as the Impact Player of the India vs. South Africa ODI series is a fitting tribute to his outstanding performance. He wasn’t just a supporting act; he was a leading star who shaped the outcome of the contest. And the fact that this achievement was celebrated with a hilarious dressing room moment from Virat Kohli just adds to the rich narrative of modern Indian cricket—a story of excellence, friendship, and a whole lot of fun. For more on Team India’s journey, check out our guide to [INTERNAL_LINK:upcoming-cricket-fixtures].

Sources

• “‘Ro de, ro de’: Virat Kohli’s dressing-room dig at Kuldeep Yadav” – Times of India
• “Top Wicket Takers: India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025/26” – ESPNcricinfo
• “Dressing Room BTS | Impact Player of the Series” – BCCI Official Website
• “India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Highlights” – ESPNcricinfo