Kuldeep Yadav Continues to Miss Out as Ashwin Slams Team Management. Kuldeep Yadav is yet to feature in a single match in the ongoing Test series against England, and his continued absence has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back in his criticism of the team management for sidelining Kuldeep in the fourth Test. Expressing his frustration, Ashwin said that not seeing the wrist-spinner in action is “blowing his head away.”
Kuldeep Yadav exclusion has come as a shock to many, especially given the nature of the pitches in England during the series. With flat tracks on offer, his wicket-taking abilities could have proven invaluable. Yet, the management has consistently opted for Washington Sundar, likely due to his superior batting skills.
Among the squad, Kuldeep arguably stands out as one of the unluckiest players in the series — warming the bench despite conditions seemingly tailor-made for his style of bowling.
Ashwin Questions Kuldeep’s Exclusion: “Our Obsession with Batting is Costing Us”
The Indian team management has come under fire for not playing Kuldeep Yadav in any of the first four Tests, and the latest to voice his disappointment is veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin criticized the team’s batting-heavy approach that, according to him, is sidelining genuine wicket-takers like Kuldeep.
“If someone had told me Kuldeep Yadav wouldn’t play a single Test in the first four matches, I would have been shocked,” Ashwin said. “Unfortunately, it’s our obsession with batting and the constant search for 20-30 extra runs that’s hurting us.”
He added that the idea of lower-order contributions being decisive has become outdated, especially in English conditions.
“Gone are the days when that 20-30 run cushion made a big difference. Yes, if your No.7 and No.8 get you 30 runs each, that’s 60 extra runs—but earlier, those runs mattered because bowlers used to get more from the pitch.”
“Why Not Kuldeep Yadav?” – Ashwin Puzzled by Shardul’s Inclusion
“If you’re only using Shardul for a handful of overs and expecting 20-30 runs with the bat, why not pick Kuldeep instead?” Ashwin asked. “I love Shardul, he’s a terrific cricketer. But if this is how he’s being used, I just don’t get why Kuldeep isn’t considered. It’s baffling.”
He also stressed that with Jadeja now playing as a specialist batter and Washington Sundar contributing with the bat, the team can afford to pick a more attacking bowler.
“It may seem unconventional to play three spinners, but it really isn’t. Jadeja is a frontline batter now. Washington is also batting well. So why shy away from picking a genuine wicket-taking option?”
