Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions over the way wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is being managed by the Indian management, asserting that the left-arm spinner deserves a more consistent role in the ODI side. Kuldeep has been left out of three of India's last four ODIs, including the opening ODI against England in Birmingham. On most occasions, Indian selectors have preferred an all-round spin combination of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Notably, both played a massive role in India's six-wicket win over England in the first game.
“In this Indian team, I will say this again. Both finger-spinning all-rounders will not fit into the combination for the 2027 World Cup. Both Washington Sundar and Axar (Patel) scored half-centuries. Whenever Kuldeep's place is made, and Harshit Rana is fit and firing, Harshit Rana becomes the third seamer," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“Then it opens up a slot for Kuldeep. Kuldeep should get more backing. In that World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav's bowling was very important. He is a match-winning spinner. He can bowl in any phase. He has a good record in South Africa,” he said.
Ashwin further urged the management to back Kuldeep because he is a match winner and the side cannot continue overlooking a specialist spinner like Kuldeep, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in Africa on the horizon.
“This management hasn't backed Kuldeep enough. They should back him more because he is a match-winner.
“If he has to get into the 2027 World Cup with the right mindset, they should keep giving him chances. He should be given a lot more confidence. I would love for India to play Kuldeep Yadav as the frontline spinner.”