Kuldeep Yadav made a stunning return to Yorkshire after being left out of India’s Test and T20I squads, producing a career-best match haul of 10 for 120 in the County Championship. His outstanding performance helped Yorkshire defeat Essex by an innings and 106 runs at Headingley from September 8 to 10, 2026. The India left-arm wrist-spinner was at his best across both innings.

Kuldeep claimed 4 for 70 from 20 overs in Essex’s first innings before returning to take 6 for 50 from 16 overs in the second. His accuracy, variation and ability to extract sharp turn proved too difficult for the Essex batters to handle. Kuldeep’s performance came shortly after he was dropped for India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He had managed only one wicket during India’s opening Test victory in Galle before being left out of the next match.

The spinner was also omitted from India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series, beginning September 13, as well as the Asian Games squad later this month. His immediate response, however, was to let his bowling do the talking in Yorkshire colours.

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Yorkshire coach Anthony McGrath was full of praise for Kuldeep’s quality and mentality, insisting the spinner remains highly valued by the county. “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,” McGrath told the Yorkshire Post.

McGrath also highlighted Kuldeep’s contributions with the bat and revealed that Yorkshire would be keen to have him back if his international schedule permits. “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 Yadav currently has one match remaining on his Yorkshire deal, which covers the One-Day Cup and three County Championship fixtures. McGrath said the spinner was determined to make an impact after missing out for India.

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“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.
His ten-wicket haul has strengthened Kuldeep’s case as he looks to return to India’s plans across formats.