Kuldeep Yadav Shatters Shane Warne’s 23-Year World Record

By Harshit - Dec 01, 2025 05:20 PM
Last updated on Dec 01, 2025 05:20 PM

Kuldeep Yadav’s extraordinary performance in Ranchi has once again highlighted his rise as one of India’s most impactful modern-day spinners. His four-wicket haul against South Africa not only turned the match in India’s favour but also etched his name into cricketing history by breaking a long-standing world record previously associated with the legendary Shane Warne. The spell showcased his mastery over drift, turn, and accuracy, proving why he remains India’s biggest match-winner in limited-overs cricket.

The left-arm wrist-spinner has been India’s trump card in pressure games, and his success in Ranchi reinforced his reputation as a game-changer. With this milestone, Kuldeep equaled Anil Kumble in one of the most elite ODI bowling lists, further strengthening his legacy. His consistent ability to deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs has continued to redefine India’s ODI strategy and cement his status among the greatest spin bowlers of the modern era.

Kuldeep’s spell in this match was not just another performance—it was a moment of history. With a mix of controlled aggression and tactical brilliance, he dismantled crucial partnerships and shifted the momentum entirely in India’s favour. His achievement marks a new chapter in Indian cricket and also sets the tone for the upcoming matches in the series.

Kuldeep Yadav Creates History in Ranchi

Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul in Ranchi marked a defining moment in his ODI career. His performance came during a high-scoring contest where every wicket carried immense value. The match witnessed multiple momentum shifts, but Kuldeep’s spell ensured India maintained control at crucial junctures. By dismissing key South African batters, he demonstrated once again why he remains indispensable in India’s white-ball setup.

His dismissal of Tony de Zorzi provided India the early breakthrough they needed after South Africa built a dangerous platform. Later, Kuldeep’s double strike—removing Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzke within three balls—broke the rhythm of a flourishing partnership that threatened to take the game away. Jansen’s explosive 70 off 39 and Breetzke’s well-paced 72 made the dismissals even more critical.

This spell also marked the fourth time Kuldeep has taken a four-wicket haul against South Africa in ODI cricket. His earlier four-fors came in Cape Town and Gqerbha in 2018, and again in Delhi in 2022. No other spinner in the world has taken as many four-wicket hauls against the Proteas, making Kuldeep the undisputed record-holder in this category.

Breaking Shane Warne’s Long-Standing Record

For years, Shane Warne held the record for the most four-wicket hauls by a spinner against South Africa—a feat shared by Yuzvendra Chahal. Kuldeep went into this match tied with both giants, but his brilliant spell ensured that he broke the record outright. It is a remarkable achievement, not only because of the names he surpassed but also due to the consistency required to achieve such dominance over a strong opposition.

Kuldeep now stands level with Lasith Malinga in the overall list, while only Brett Lee and Waqar Younis have more four-wicket hauls against South Africa. This places him alongside some of the most destructive bowlers in cricket history, highlighting the significance of his accomplishment.

Below is the updated list of the most four-wicket hauls against South Africa:

Kuldeep Joins Anil Kumble in an Iconic ODI Record

This performance also marked the 10th four-wicket haul of Kuldeep Yadav’s ODI career. With this, he joined Anil Kumble as the Indian spinner with the most four-wicket hauls in ODI cricket. For any bowler, matching a legend like Kumble is an achievement of extraordinary significance. Kuldeep reaching this milestone in just a few years of top-level cricket speaks volumes about his talent and impact.

Among all Indian bowlers, only Ajit Agarkar (12) and Mohammed Shami (16) have more four-wicket hauls in ODIs. Kuldeep’s rapid rise puts him on track to break more records in the coming years. His ability to strike consistently in the middle overs has reshaped India’s tactical approach, making him the backbone of the bowling unit across formats.

With such performances, Kuldeep Yadav has not only strengthened India’s position in the ongoing series but has also carved a permanent place for himself in the record books. His Ranchi spell will be remembered as one of the finest examples of modern wrist-spin dominance.

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