97. That’s the number etched into Kuldeep Yadav’s career ledger now, one wicket ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal’s 96. But if you asked the left-armer if he’s thrilled about climbing past his long-time partner, you’d get a shrug and a confession that might surprise you. "I'm not particularly happy about it," Kuldeep admitted during a JioStar interaction with Chahal ahead of Friday’s second T20I in Ranchi. For a man who has built his reputation on precision and pride, the milestone feels incomplete without the other half of 'KulCha' standing beside him.
The math is simple. Kuldeep reached 97 wickets in just 56 innings. Chahal needed 80 matches to get to 96. Efficiency has always been Kuldeep’s superpower, but the context here is bittersweet. Chahal, who announced his retirement from red-ball cricket earlier this month, is now on the other side of the microphone, part of the broadcaster's team. The dynamic has shifted from two wrist-spinners planning a trap on the pitch to one spinner reflecting on the ghost of a partnership that defined a generation of Indian cricket.
But the nostalgia isn’t the whole story. Kuldeep is back in the T20 groove after a long break, and he’s honest about the friction. "My rhythm was more like that of ODI cricket," he explained, noting that his first two overs featured a "little more loop" than ideal. He didn’t make excuses, though. He’s already dialed in the adjustments, pulling his lengths back in the final overs to regain control. Against the raw power of the West Indies, that subtle shift in trajectory is the difference between a dot ball and a six.
His plan for the power-hitting Caribbean side is old-school discipline. "Stick to my length, keep the ball in the right areas, and not give them room to swing freely," Kuldeep said. He knows that even a slightly overpitched delivery can vanish into the stands against their bat speed. It’s a strategy built on denial, not just variety. And when Chahal asked if he’d pose for a hundredth wicket celebration, Kuldeep grinned. "I'll do my best to pose like you if I get those wickets!" It’s a light moment in a heavy conversation about legacy, but for now, Kuldeep is focused on the next delivery, not the previous record.
India faces West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, with the series stakes rising and Kuldeep’s 100th wicket now just three dismissals away.