Kuldeep is a match-winner, must keep playing: Miller backs DC spinner despite poor form
Synopsis
Miller's public backing of Kuldeep signals DC's faith in the under-fire spinner, even as his economy rate hits a career-worst 10.4. With DC facing a must-win against KKR and only four games left to qualify, the franchise is betting that Kuldeep's class will resurface when it matters most — a gamble that could define their playoff hopes.
Key Takeaways
David Miller backed wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav , calling him a 'match-winner' for Delhi Capitals .
Kuldeep has taken just seven wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 10.4 runs per over — his worst IPL season.
Against right-hand batters, Kuldeep has six wickets at 11.1 runs per over in 2026, down from 9 at 6.7 in 2025.
DC face a must-win clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Miller also flagged DC 's fielding woes — the team has the league's lowest catch efficiency at 64.6% with 17 dropped chances .
David Miller, the veteran Delhi Capitals batter, on Thursday threw his weight behind under-fire wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, insisting the left-arm spinner remains a 'match-winner' whose continued presence in the playing eleven is vital for the franchise despite a sharp dip in form during IPL 2026. Miller's backing comes as Kuldeep struggles with an economy rate of 10.4 runs per over — his worst in any IPL season — and just seven wickets across nine outings.
Kuldeep's form crisis
Kuldeep has been a major concern for DC this season. The spinner has gone wicketless in five of his nine matches and his economy rate against right-hand batters has deteriorated sharply: six wickets at 11.1 runs per over in 2026, compared to nine wickets at 6.7 runs per over in IPL 2025. His overall 10.4 economy is the highest of his IPL career, surpassing previous lows of 8.7 in 2019 and 2024. In seven matches, he has conceded above 10 runs per over, though he has managed under 10 only twice — against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Miller's faith in the spinner
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of DC's must-win clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday evening, Miller said:
Point of View
And the data shows he is being targeted, especially by right-hand batters. Miller's public backing is a sign of faith, but also a gamble. DC are banking on form returning when it matters, with only four games left. That's a thin margin for a spinner whose confidence appears shaken.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Kuldeep Yadav's form dipped in IPL 2026?
Kuldeep has struggled with an economy rate of 10.4 runs per over — his worst in any IPL season — and has taken only seven wickets in nine matches. Against right-hand batters specifically, his economy has jumped to 11.1 runs per over compared to 6.7 in 2025, suggesting batters are targeting him aggressively.
What did David Miller say about Kuldeep?
Miller backed Kuldeep as a 'match-winner' and said his continued presence in the playing eleven is vital for DC. Miller acknowledged Kuldeep has had poor outings but emphasized his character, preparation, and skill, arguing such players must keep playing despite temporary dips.
How many matches does Delhi Capitals have left in IPL 2026?
DC face a must-win clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With this match, DC effectively have four games remaining to qualify for the playoffs.
What is Delhi Capitals' fielding record this season?
DC has the league's lowest catch efficiency at 64.6% and has dropped 17 chances so far in IPL 2026. Miller acknowledged the issue and said the team has been training hard in the fielding department to improve.
How does Kuldeep's 2026 economy compare to his career IPL record?
His 10.4 economy rate in 2026 is the highest of his IPL career. It surpasses his previous worst seasons of 8.7 in both 2019 and 2024, indicating a significant deterioration in performance this year.
