5 heroes for India in 2018

4) Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav

The slow left-arm chinaman bowler has become a mainstay in India's limited-overs XI- courtesy his exploits across different conditions. The 24-year-old who made his ODI debut in June last year ended 2018 has the second highest wicket-taker (ODIs) with 45 scalps in 19 matches at an economy of 4.64 with his best figures being 6/25. Kuldeep played a pivotal role in India's 5-1 win in the ODI series against South Africa (away) finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in six matches.

Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, he formed a deadly duo, spinning a web around the Proteas batsmen. Kuldeep continued his exploits with the ball during the limited-overs leg against England picking up five wickets (in two T20Is) and nine wickets (in three ODIs) respectively.

Kuldeep was equally good in the T20Is, picking up 21 wickets in nine T20Is this year. A chinaman bowler is always a rare commodity and especially Kuldeep with his bowling credentials is currently one of the top spinners in the world.