A few years ago Kartik Yadav was the “naalayak” (good-for-nothing) of the family. Today the 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner is turning heads in the Ranji Trophy — and once even clean-bowled Virat Kohli in the nets.
The moment came during a training session in Kanpur before a Test against Bangladesh. Barely 18 at the time, Kartik hit Kohli’s stumps and earned a simple but unforgettable “well bowled” from the world’s top batter.
“I’m not sure if Virat sir even remembers that ball,” Kartik recalled, “but for me it’s a lifetime memory. What can be bigger than the world’s top batter turning around and complimenting you?”
Ravindra Jadeja was also present that day. Kartik, who grew up idolising the all-rounder on television, could only manage a silent namaste.
Since making his first-class debut against Tamil Nadu less than a year ago, Kartik has already claimed three five-wicket hauls. This season he has taken wickets in every match so far: six in an innings win over Bihar, another five-for against Goa, and a career-best 6 for 42 in the draw with Puducherry.
His path has been anything but conventional. The son of a CRPF officer and younger brother of a future doctor, Kartik was once seen as the family under-achiever. At 11 he told his father he would choose cricket over studies. His brother’s support helped convince their father, who eventually enrolled him at an academy in Prayagraj.
By 14 he was at a sports hostel in Fatehpur; a year later he moved to Ghaziabad to train under former India batter Ajay Sharma. Strong performances for UP Under-23 — 29 wickets in just three CK Nayudu Trophy matches — forced the senior selectors to take notice. He was selected for the Ranji side almost immediately and walked into the XI for his debut.
Kartik models his game on Jadeja but draws his on-field attitude from Hardik Pandya. “On the field Jadeja is my idol, but when it comes to mindset my role model is Hardik. I go out believing I am the best and I have to dominate, no matter who is in front of me.”
Even on flat pitches he looks to out-think batters with changes of angle, leg-stump lines and clever field placements. “Patience is the biggest weapon in red-ball cricket,” he says.
Earlier this year he gained further polish at a BCCI Under-25 camp under VVS Laxman and as a net bowler with Delhi Capitals. The message from the coaches was clear: becoming a long-term professional is about far more than just the hours spent on the field.
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