Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/7 Seals Player of the Match vs UAE in Asia Cup 2025 Opener
On September 10, 2025, Indian left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered a match-defining performance in the Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His remarkable figures of 4 wickets for 7 runs in 2.1 overs dismantled the UAE batting lineup, restricting them to a record-low total of 57 runs in 13.1 overs. India chased the target in just 4.3 overs, securing a nine-wicket victory and earning Kuldeep the Player of the Match award—his first in T20 Internationals (T20Is) in seven years. This article provides a detailed account of Kuldeep’s performance, the match context, his career resurgence, and the broader implications for India’s Asia Cup campaign, drawing on verified reports and match analyses.
Match Context: India vs UAE in Asia Cup 2025
Tournament Overview
The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in the UAE, marked India’s return to T20I cricket after a seven-month hiatus following their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. As defending champions, India entered the tournament under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, aiming to extend their record of eight titles across formats since the tournament’s inception in 1984. The Group A clash against UAE on September 10 was the second match of the tournament, following Afghanistan’s victory over Hong Kong. India’s next challenge, a high-voltage encounter against Pakistan, loomed on September 14, making the UAE match a critical opportunity to set the tone.
Team Selection and Strategy
India’s playing XI for the match included a balanced mix of youth and experience: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. Notably, the team opted for two wrist-spinners—Kuldeep and Varun—over additional pace options like Arshdeep Singh, banking on the spin-friendly conditions of Dubai. This decision sparked debate, with some questioning the exclusion of Arshdeep, but Kuldeep’s performance silenced critics.
Toss and Conditions
India won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision Suryakumar Yadav explained was based on assessing the pitch and anticipating dew later in the evening. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s surface was described as two-paced, offering assistance to spinners, which suited India’s strategy. The match, broadcast live on Sony Sports Network, saw clear skies and humid conditions, ensuring an uninterrupted contest.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Masterclass
The Game-Changing Ninth Over
Kuldeep was introduced into the attack in the seventh over, with UAE at 41/2 after a promising powerplay led by openers Alishan Sharafu (22 off 17) and Muhammad Waseem (19 off 22). His first over was economical, conceding just four runs, setting the stage for his devastating second over. In the ninth over, Kuldeep struck thrice, effectively dismantling UAE’s middle order:
- Rahul Chopra (3 off 7): Caught by Shubman Gill at wide long-on after mis-timing a lofted shot against a tossed-up delivery.
- Muhammad Waseem (19 off 22): Trapped lbw while attempting to sweep Kuldeep’s stock ball, which straightened to hit the stumps.
- Harshit Kaushik (2 off 2): Clean bowled by Kuldeep’s trademark googly, which spun through the gate to hit the stumps.
This triple strike left UAE reeling at 50/5, with Kuldeep’s variations—his wrist-spin, googly, and precise length—proving unplayable. He later claimed a fourth wicket, dismissing Haider Ali (1 off 2) in the 13th over with another wrong’un, fortuitously aided by UAE’s lack of reviews. Kuldeep’s final figures of 2.1-0-7-4 underscored his dominance, earning widespread praise on social media and from analysts.
Tactical Brilliance
Kuldeep’s success stemmed from his ability to read the batters and adjust his lengths, a point he emphasized in the post-match presentation. “The length matters a lot, reading the batters. Specially in this format, the length is the main thing and reacting to what the batter was trying to do,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. His strategy involved bowling stump-to-stump, forcing UAE batters to take risks on a pitch where low-percentage shots were punished. His partnership with Shivam Dube (3/4) and contributions from Axar Patel (1 wicket), Varun Chakravarthy (1 wicket), and Jasprit Bumrah (1 wicket) ensured UAE’s collapse.
Statistical Milestones
Kuldeep’s 4/7 was the best bowling performance by an Indian in the Asia Cup 2025 opener and marked several milestones:
- Lowest T20I Total Against India: UAE’s 57 surpassed New Zealand’s 66 in Ahmedabad (2023) as the lowest total India conceded in T20Is.
- Fastest T20I Chase by India: India’s chase in 4.3 overs (27 balls) was their quickest, beating the previous record of 6.3 overs against Scotland in 2021.
- First T20I POTM in Seven Years: Kuldeep’s last Player of the Match award in T20Is was in 2018 against West Indies, making this a significant personal triumph.
His performance also saw him match Sachin Tendulkar’s record for taking three wickets in a single over in international cricket, a feat celebrated by Indian media outlets like Jagran.
Kuldeep’s Career Resurgence
Overcoming Challenges
Kuldeep’s journey to this standout performance was not without hurdles. After playing a key role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy victories, he faced a setback during India’s tour of England in 2025, where he warmed the bench throughout a five-match Test series. A groin injury, later diagnosed as a sports hernia, had sidelined him for five months in 2024, and his exclusion from the England Tests was a source of frustration. “It was tough for me,” Kuldeep admitted at the post-match presentation, crediting his work with strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux for his comeback.
Recent Form
Kuldeep’s resilience was evident in his performances leading up to the Asia Cup. In the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) with Delhi Capitals, he took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 7.07, showcasing his T20 prowess. His Asia Cup 2023 heroics, where he was named Player of the Tournament with nine wickets, including a 5/25 against Pakistan, underscored his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. With 69 wickets in 40 T20Is at an economy of 6.77, Kuldeep remains a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack.
Personal Milestones
The Player of the Match award against UAE was a personal milestone for Kuldeep, marking his return to the T20I setup after his last appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. His performance silenced doubters who questioned his inclusion over Arshdeep Singh, with fans on X lauding him as the “Spin Master at His Peak.” Posts like “KULDEEP YADAV IS BACK…!!!!” by user Shankar lal jat sargaon highlighted the excitement surrounding his resurgence.
Match Summary
UAE’s Batting Collapse
UAE started brightly, reaching 41/2 in the powerplay, with Alishan Sharafu hitting a six off Axar Patel and Muhammad Waseem scoring three boundaries off Bumrah. However, the introduction of spin triggered their downfall. After Kuldeep’s triple-wicket over, Shivam Dube’s three wickets, including a diving catch by Sanju Samson, further dismantled the middle order. UAE’s final total of 57 was their lowest in T20Is, with only Sharafu and Waseem reaching double figures. ESPNcricinfo noted that UAE lost their last eight wickets for just 10 runs, highlighting India’s bowling dominance.
India’s Swift Chase
Chasing 58, India’s openers Shubman Gill (20* off 14) and Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) set an aggressive tone, racing to 25/0 in two overs. Abhishek’s dismissal by Junaid Siddique in the fourth over was a minor hiccup, but Suryakumar Yadav’s six off his first ball sealed the chase in 4.3 overs, finishing at 60/1. The victory, completed with 93 balls to spare, was India’s second-fastest T20I win by balls remaining, trailing only England’s 101 balls against Oman in 2024.
Captain’s Perspective
Suryakumar Yadav praised the team’s clinical performance, noting the spinners’ effectiveness on a slow pitch. “It was a clinical performance from the boys. Kuldeep, Dube, and Varun were outstanding,” he said, as reported by News18. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem acknowledged India’s superior execution, admitting, “We started well, but losing wickets in a cluster cost us the game. They are the number one team for a reason.”
Implications for India’s Asia Cup Campaign
Boosting Momentum
Kuldeep’s performance and India’s dominant win have set a strong foundation for their Asia Cup campaign. With a net run rate of +10.483, India topped Group A, gaining confidence ahead of their clash against Pakistan. Kuldeep’s ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions bodes well for matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where similar pitches are expected.
Strategic Validation
The decision to prioritize spin over pace, despite criticism, was vindicated by Kuldeep and Dube’s performances. The inclusion of both wrist-spinners alongside Axar Patel provided variety, which could prove crucial against stronger opponents like Pakistan and Oman in Group A. However, the team’s reliance on a single specialist pacer, Bumrah, raises questions about balance, especially if conditions favor seam bowling in later matches.
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans and media celebrated Kuldeep’s heroics, with outlets like Sportskeeda and India.com hailing his “stunning 4-wicket haul” and “match-winning spell.” Social media posts, such as Mufaddal Vohra’s “THE STREAK IS OVER FOR KULDEEP,” highlighted the significance of his first T20I POTM award in seven years. The performance also sparked debates about India’s bowling strategy, with some fans on X expressing outrage over Arshdeep’s exclusion, though Kuldeep’s display quelled much of the criticism.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Broader Impact
A Key Asset for India
Kuldeep’s performance reinforces his status as one of India’s premier spinners across formats. His ability to deliver in clutch moments, as seen in the 2023 Asia Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, makes him indispensable. With 150 ODI wickets and two international hat-tricks, Kuldeep’s versatility and guile position him as a leader in India’s bowling attack, particularly in white-ball cricket.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kuldeep’s journey from a challenging phase—where he contemplated quitting cricket after missing Uttar Pradesh’s U-15 team—to becoming a global star is inspirational. His YouTube show, Fulltwo Football, reflects his off-field charisma, while his on-field exploits continue to inspire young spinners. His work ethic, as highlighted in his collaboration with coach Adrian le Roux, sets a benchmark for aspiring cricketers.
Conclusion
Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/7 against UAE on September 10, 2025, was a masterclass in wrist-spin bowling, earning him the Player of the Match award and cementing his return to India’s T20I setup. His devastating spell, coupled with India’s swift chase, underscored their dominance in the Asia Cup 2025 opener, setting a formidable tone for the tournament. As India prepares for tougher challenges, particularly against Pakistan, Kuldeep’s resurgence and tactical brilliance will be pivotal. The match not only highlighted his skill but also validated India’s spin-heavy strategy, promising an exciting campaign ahead. With fans and analysts lauding his performance, Kuldeep Yadav has reaffirmed his place as a cornerstone of Indian cricket, ready to lead the team toward another Asia Cup title.
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