As India prepared for the opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, all eyes were once again on left-arm chinaman wizard Kuldeep Yadav. After a strong comeback in December 2025, where he picked up 7 wickets in 3 ODIs vs South Africa, Kuldeep entered this series in top rhythm. With Delhi Capitals’ pre-season training sharpening his form, he was expected to lead India’s spin attack with confidence.
Against New Zealand, his numbers tell a clear story. Since 2017, Kuldeep has consistently troubled Kiwi batters with drift, sharp turn, and deceptive googlies. His ability to strike in the middle overs has repeatedly shifted matches in India’s favour.
The ODI series was played on January 11 (Vadodara), January 14 (Rajkot), and January 18 (Indore), where Kuldeep once again proved why he is India’s most dangerous middle-overs weapon.
Kuldeep Yadav vs New Zealand – ODI Stats & Records (2017–2026)
| Parameter | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 16 |
| Overs Bowled | 138.0 |
| Runs Conceded | 814 |
| Wickets | 27 |
| Best Bowling | 4/39 |
| Average | 29.07 |
| Economy | 5.89 |
| Strike Rate | 29.5 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
What stands out
- One of India’s most successful ODI spinners vs New Zealand.
- Strong control: economy under 6 despite attacking approach.
- Strike rate of 29.5 shows consistent wicket-taking ability.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 17 | 28.11 |
In New Zealand
| Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 10 | 30.20 |
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 |
| 9 | 52 | 1 | 5.77 | Vadodara | 2026 |
| 10 | 82 | 1 | 8.2 | Rajkot | 2026 |
| 6 | 48 | 1 | 8.00 | Indore | 2026 |
Major Highlights of Kuldeep vs New Zealand
1. Best Bowling: 4/39 in 2023 ODI World Cup
Kuldeep dismantled New Zealand’s middle order with drift, turn and impeccable control on a big stage.
2. Match-Winning Impact
He consistently breaks partnerships between overs 15–35, shifting momentum in India’s favour.
3. Form Continues in 2026
Kuldeep picked wickets in all three matches of the 2026 series. Even on batting-friendly surfaces, he found breakthroughs with variations and accuracy.
New Zealand’s batting unit has traditionally struggled against left-arm wrist-spin. Kuldeep’s googly, quicker ball, and wide-angle drift regularly force mistakes from both right-handers and left-handers. His ODI strike rate under 30 makes him one of India’s most valuable middle-overs wicket-takers.
From 2017 to 2026, 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 scoring, and produced match-changing spells.
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