India’s wrist-spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav delivered a masterclass in deception and control during the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan, leaving batters bewildered and commentators awestruck. Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his flamboyant metaphors, summed up the performance by calling Kuldeep “a Da Vinci code that Pakistan couldn’t encrypt.” The remark, which has since gone viral, encapsulates the mystery and mastery of Kuldeep’s spell that dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup in Dubai.
India won the match by seven wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s modest total of 127/9 in just 15.5 overs. Kuldeep’s figures of 3/18 in four overs were instrumental in triggering Pakistan’s collapse, as batters failed to read his wrist position, variations, and flight.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Spell vs Pakistan: A Breakdown
| Over | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Key Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 4 | Tight start |
| 2nd | 1 | 5 | Rizwan bowled |
| 3rd | 1 | 6 | Iftikhar stumped |
| 4th | 1 | 3 | Salman LBW |
| Total | 3 | 18 | — |
Kuldeep’s spell was marked by subtle changes in pace, drift, and angle. Pakistan’s batters, including Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, were unable to pick his googlies and flippers, often playing down the wrong line or misjudging length.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s ‘Da Vinci Code’ Analogy
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sidhu said:
“Kuldeep Yadav, my favourite spinner. He is a wicket-taking bowler. He was like a Da Vinci code that Pakistan could not understand at all. They could not see the wrist and could not figure out anything.”
Sidhu also credited Axar Patel for building pressure from the other end, allowing Kuldeep to attack with freedom. The spin duo restricted Pakistan’s scoring rate and forced errors through sustained pressure.
Pakistan Batting Collapse: Scorecard Snapshot
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 9 | 15 | Caught by Tilak Verma |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 6 | 10 | Bowled by Kuldeep |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 3 | 8 | Stumped off Kuldeep |
| Salman Ali Agha | 14 | 22 | LBW by Kuldeep |
| Total | 127/9 | 20.0 | — |
Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships and rotate strike was evident. Their middle order crumbled under spin pressure, and the lack of intent further compounded their woes.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Asia Cup 2025 Performance So Far
| Match | Opponent | Wickets | Economy | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | UAE | 4 | 4.25 | India won |
| Match 2 | Pakistan | 3 | 4.50 | India won |
| Total | — | 7 | 4.37 | — |
Kuldeep currently leads the wicket charts in the tournament, showcasing his resurgence after warming the bench during India’s Test series against England earlier this year.
Expert Reactions and Media Buzz
| Expert/Outlet | Comment |
|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | “Kuldeep’s rhythm and confidence are back. A joy to watch.” |
| Wasim Akram | “Pakistan batters looked clueless. Credit to India’s spin strategy.” |
| Sportstar | “Kuldeep’s wizardry is the key to India’s dominance.” |
| Hindustan Times | “Pakistan batters shamed as Kuldeep Yadav branded ‘Da Vinci code’.” |
The media has hailed Kuldeep’s performance as one of the finest in recent India-Pakistan encounters, with fans dubbing him “Spin Vinci” on social platforms.
India’s Chase: Calm and Clinical
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 47* | 37 | 127.02 | Not out |
| Abhishek Sharma | 31 | 13 | 238.46 | Caught by Rizwan |
| Tilak Verma | 31 | 22 | 140.91 | Bowled by Ayub |
India’s top order made light work of the chase, with Suryakumar Yadav finishing the game with a six, further cementing his reputation as a match-winner.
Kuldeep’s Career Revival: From Bench to Brilliance
Kuldeep’s journey has been anything but linear. After struggling with form and fitness, he was sidelined during India’s Test series in England. However, his performance in the Asia Cup has silenced critics and reaffirmed his value in white-ball cricket.
| Year | Matches Played | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 18 | 4/23 |
| 2024 | 9 | 11 | 3/19 |
| 2025 | 2 (Asia Cup) | 7 | 4/17 |
His ability to adapt to conditions, read batters, and execute plans has made him indispensable in India’s T20 setup.
Conclusion: Kuldeep Yadav’s Spin Spell a Masterclass in Mystery
Kuldeep Yadav’s performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 was more than just a statistical triumph—it was a psychological dismantling of a batting lineup that failed to decode his artistry. Branded as the “Da Vinci code” by Navjot Singh Sidhu, Kuldeep’s spell was a blend of science, skill, and sorcery.
As India marches ahead in the tournament, Kuldeep’s form will be crucial in the Super Four stage and beyond. For now, his wrist-spin remains an enigma that opponents are struggling to solve.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, expert commentary, and verified news sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting or selection advice. All figures and developments are subject to change based on future matches and official statements.
