Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav Breaks 7-year-long Jinx With With A Destructive Spell Against UAE

Dubai, September 10, 2025 — In what was expected to be a routine opener for defending champions India, the Asia Cup 2025 clash against hosts United Arab Emirates turned into a historic evening for left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. After months of waiting in the wings, Kuldeep produced a spellbinding performance to script India’s emphatic nine-wicket win and shattered a seven-year jinx in the process.

Kuldeep Yadav: From Benchwarmer to Hero

Having warmed the bench for most of India’s tour of England earlier this year, Kuldeep Yadav came into the match with a point to prove. His last T20I appearance was during the high-stakes final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-arm chinaman bowler was eager to stamp his authority again, and the opportunity arrived under the bright lights of Dubai International Stadium.

India bowled first after winning the toss, and it didn’t take long for Kuldeep to weave his magic. Introduced into the attack after the powerplay, he immediately found sharp turn and variable bounce that UAE batters were ill-equipped to handle. What followed was a clinical and destructive 2.1-over spell yielding four wickets for just seven runs. The spell not only dismantled the UAE middle order but also turned the game into a no-contest.

Breaking a Seven-Year Jinx

Kuldeep’s spell was not just about numbers; it was symbolic. His figures of 4/7 earned him his first Player of the Match award in T20Is after a staggering seven-year gap. His last such recognition came in 2018 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.

With this performance, he also leapfrogged veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on the list of most T20I wickets by an Indian spinner away from home, reaching the coveted milestone of 50 wickets. This outing marked not only a personal redemption but also underlined his enduring value in India’s white-ball setup.

UAE’s Collapse: From Steady to Shattered

UAE started their innings with intent, reaching 26 without loss inside four overs. But once the Indian spinners took control, the innings unraveled spectacularly. From 47/2, the hosts lost eight wickets for just 10 more runs, folding for a paltry 57.

Kuldeep’s four-for was well complemented by Shivam Dube, who delivered a career-best spell of 3/4 in just two overs. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with a wicket each. The collective bowling effort proved too much for UAE, who failed to reach even 60 runs despite a decent start.

Shivam Dube: Emerging All-Round Force

While Kuldeep stole the spotlight, Shivam Dube’s emergence as a genuine all-round option added more balance to the Indian lineup. Known primarily for his batting exploits, Dube showed exceptional control with the ball. His double strike in the ninth over effectively crushed any hopes UAE had of staging a recovery. His accuracy, combined with Kuldeep’s spin, showcased India’s bowling depth and strategic flexibility.

A Record-Breaking Chase

India made light work of the 58-run target, racing to the finish line in just 4.3 overs. This marked India’s fastest-ever chase in T20I history. Openers Shubman Gill (26* off 10) and Abhishek Sharma (29 off 14) ensured that there were no hiccups, treating the UAE bowling with disdain. The match wrapped up so quickly that fans were left in awe of the sheer dominance displayed.

Spirit of the Game: Suryakumar Yadav’s Gesture

In a moment that captured the spirit of the game, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav withdrew a run-out appeal against UAE’s Junaid Siddique. The batter was distracted due to Shivam Dube’s towel slipping mid-delivery. Though the match result was never in doubt, this act of sportsmanship was widely applauded and added to the feel-good narrative of the day.

Implications for the Tournament

This win is more than just two points on the board. With a significant net run rate boost, India has sent a strong message to the rest of the teams, especially with the high-octane clash against Pakistan looming on Sunday, September 14.

Kuldeep’s performance has also created a selection conundrum for the team management. With Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also in the mix, India has a rich spin arsenal to choose from. The bowling department now appears even more potent with the Dube-Kuldeep combination thriving.

What Lies Ahead

India’s next fixture against Pakistan will be the real test of this newly structured team under Suryakumar’s captaincy. With big names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli no longer part of the setup, the spotlight is firmly on this next-gen team to carry the legacy forward.

Kuldeep Yadav’s return could be the defining factor of India’s Asia Cup campaign. His variation, temperament, and experience are tailor-made for crunch games, and his spell against UAE was a reminder of what he brings to the table when at full flow.

India couldn’t have asked for a better start. A dominant win, a record-breaking chase, and a redemption story for one of their most skillful bowlers – the Asia Cup 2025 has begun on a perfect note. The Men in Blue will carry this momentum into the Pakistan clash, while Kuldeep Yadav will walk in with renewed confidence, a record to his name, and a jinx broken on a memorable night in Dubai.

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