Former star player applauds Kuldeep Yadav’s courage after Asia Cup 2025 triumph

AB de Villiers hails India’s spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his fearless bowling in the Asia Cup 2025, praising his temperament and match-winning impact.

Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav (Image Credit: BCCI)

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has lavished praise on India’s left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his standout performance during the Asia Cup 2025. Known for his sharp cricketing insight, de Villiers described Kuldeep as a bowler who embraces pressure rather than shying away from it. He noted that the spinner’s ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs was one of the key reasons India lifted the title.

Kuldeep’s consistency throughout the tournament impressed not only his teammates but also experts around the world. In the high-stakes final against Pakistan, the spinner showcased his trademark variations, making it difficult for batters to settle. De Villiers highlighted this aspect, pointing out that Kuldeep’s willingness to flight the ball, even when conditions were tense, showed his fearless approach.

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The former Proteas star also appreciated how India blended youth and experience in the tournament. While young batters like Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube made timely contributions with the bat, Kuldeep led the bowling attack with maturity, proving that India’s squad has the depth to perform on big occasions.

"Kuldeep is a match-winner, guys, he’s a wicket-taker and that’s what I like about him, he’s not scared of throwing the ball up in the air and turns it both ways, and he gets important wickets at the right time. For Team India, he did so in the Asia Cup, and we’re expecting more from him," said AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.

Kuldeep Yadav’s evolution as a match-winner

De Villiers’ praise reflects how far Kuldeep has come in his international career. Once seen as a promising youngster with raw talent, the spinner has now evolved into a reliable match-winner. His control, variations, and improved confidence have allowed him to dictate terms even against strong opposition. What sets him apart, according to de Villiers, is not just his skill set but his mental strength to thrive in clutch situations.

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For Team India, this recognition is a timely boost. As they prepare for a packed cricketing calendar, having a spinner capable of changing the course of a game adds immense value. Kuldeep’s heroics in the Asia Cup are likely to inspire confidence ahead of upcoming series, especially in conditions where spin will play a decisive role.

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