As India prepare for the opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, all eyes are once again on left-arm chinaman wizard Kuldeep Yadav. After a strong comeback in December 2025 where he picked 7 wickets in 3 ODIs vs South Africa Kuldeep enters this series in top rhythm. With Delhi Capitals’ pre-season training sharpening his form, he is expected to lead India spin attack with confidence.
Against New Zealand, his numbers tell a clear story. Since 2017, Kuldeep has troubled Kiwi batters consistently with drift, sharp turn and deceptive googlies. His impact in key matches, especially in the middle overs, has often turned games in India favour.
As the ODI series begins on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by Rajkot (Jan 14) and Indore (Jan 18), Kuldeep will once again be India biggest weapon.
Kuldeep Yadav vs New Zealand – ODI Stats & Records (2017–2025)
| Parameter | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 13 |
| Overs Bowled | 113 |
| Runs Conceded | 632 |
| Wickets | 24 |
| Best Bowling | 4/39 |
| Average | 26.33 |
| Economy | 5.59 |
| Strike Rate | 28.2 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
What stands out
- One of India most successful ODI spinners vs New Zealand.
- Strong control: economy under 6 despite attacking approach.
- Strike rate of 28.2 shows he picks regular wickets.
- Two match-winning 4-wicket hauls.
Also see: IND vs NZ ODI Head-to-Head Stats
Venue-Wise Performance Breakdown
Home in India
| Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 15 | 22.50 |
In New Zealand
| Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 9 | 32.00 |
Kuldeep Yadav – Innings by Innings vs New Zealand
| Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ | Ground | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 64 | 1 | 6.4 | Wankhede | 2017 |
| 10 | 39 | 4 | 3.9 | Napier | 2019 |
| 10 | 45 | 4 | 4.5 | Mount Maunganui | 2019 |
| 8 | 39 | 0 | 4.87 | Mount Maunganui | 2019 |
| 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 | Hamilton | 2019 |
| 10 | 84 | 2 | 8.4 | Hamilton | 2020 |
| 8 | 43 | 2 | 5.37 | Hyderabad | 2023 |
| 7.3 | 29 | 1 | 3.86 | Raipur | 2023 |
| 9 | 62 | 3 | 6.88 | Indore | 2023 |
| 10 | 73 | 2 | 7.3 | Dharamsala | 2023 |
| 10 | 56 | 1 | 5.6 | Wankhede | 2023 |
| 9.3 | 56 | 2 | 5.89 | Dubai | 2025 |
| 10 | 40 | 2 | 4.0 | Dubai | 2025 |
Major Highlights of Kuldeep vs New Zealand
1. Best Bowling: 4/39 in 2023 ODI World Cup
Kuldeep dismantled New Zealand middle order, producing drift and sharp turn on a big stage.
2. Match-Winning Impact
He has repeatedly broken partnerships at crucial moments, especially between overs 15–35.
3. Strong Return in 2025
His recent Dubai series performance (4 wickets across two matches) shows his rhythm is back.
New Zealand batting unit has traditionally struggled against left-arm wrist-spin. Kuldeep variations googly, faster one, and wide-angle drift consistently trouble right-handers and force mistakes. His ODI strike rate under 30 makes him a natural partnership breaker, something India heavily rely on during the middle overs. With pitches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore expected to assist slow bowling slightly, Kuldeep could once again dominate the Kiwi lineup.
From 2017 to 2025, Kuldeep Yadav has maintained one of the most consistent ODI records by any Indian spinner against New Zealand. Whether at home or away, he has delivered breakthroughs, controlled the flow of runs, and produced game-changing spells.
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