'Kuldeep Yadav not in form is a problem': Irfan Pathan flags concern for Delhi Capitals
Despite Delhi Capitals' win, concerns linger over Kuldeep Yadav's form as he was left out of the playing XI. Irfan Pathan highlighted the spinner's struggles, noting his high economy rate and lack of wickets as a significant issue for the franchise this season.
Despite Delhi Capitals securing a win over Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, concerns continue to grow around the form of star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was left out of the playing XI. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan highlighted Kuldeep’s struggles as a major issue for the franchise this season. Kuldeep’s IPL 2026 campaign has been far from convincing so far.
The left-arm wrist-spinner has managed only seven wickets in nine matches while leaking runs at an economy rate of 10. 4, the worst economy rate of his IPL career, surpassing his previous highest of 8. 7 recorded in 2019 and 2024.
He has also gone wicketless in five outings this season. The spinner has conceded under 10 runs per over in only two matches, against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while crossing that mark in the remaining seven games. Speaking about the issue, Pathan expressed concern over Delhi’s dependence on Kuldeep, especially on pitches offering assistance to spinners.
“Kuldeep Yadav not being in form is a big problem for Delhi because the team depends heavily on him. Especially on a turning track, where there was some help from the pitch, if you still end up conceding runs and fail to pick wickets, then it becomes a serious concern,” Pathan said to IANS. The former all-rounder, however, backed Kuldeep’s quality and stressed that expectations are naturally higher from a frontline spinner.