A left-arm unorthodox spinner, he plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

[citation needed] On 18 December 2019, against the West Indies, he became the first bowler for India to take two hat-tricks in international cricket.

Yadav was born in Unnao but raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the son of a brick kiln owner.

However, given his slight build, his coach insisted on him becoming a wrist-spin bowler as he was impressed with the turn and variations he was providing unknowingly at the trials.

[5][6][7] Yadav was a member of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2012 and signed up by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, whom he represented at the 2014 Champions League Twenty20.

[10] Yadav was selected in the Indian cricket team to play against West Indies in October 2014 but did not appear in any match.

[12] He made his Test debut for India against Australia on 25 March 2017, at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, taking four wickets in the first innings.

In June 2017, Yadav was named in India's squad for a limited overs tour to the West Indies.

[17] On 21 September 2017, Yadav became the third bowler for India to take a hat-trick in an ODI after Chetan Sharma and Kapil Dev.

[37] In 2023 Cricket World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav was on the money from the first match against Australia, picking up 2 wickets for just 42 runs.

[40] A tame bowling spell against New Zealand cast doubts over Kuldeep's ability to counter aggression from the batters.