LOADING...
Summarize
'Where will Kuldeep bowl': Ashwin questions India's team combination
India lost the first ODI by seven wickets (Image source: X/@BCCI)

'Where will Kuldeep bowl': Ashwin questions India's team combination

Oct 20, 2025
09:34 am

What's the story

India's former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the team management for leaving out Kuldeep Yadav from the first ODI against Australia in Perth. Despite having a strong batting lineup, India managed only 136 runs in a rain-curtailed 26-over match and lost by seven wickets. Following India's defeat, Ashwin questioned the team's combination and suggested that Kuldeep would have been useful on Australia's larger grounds.

Tactical critique

'Overspin on big grounds can give Kuldeep more bounce'

Ashwin, in a video on his YouTube channel, said he understands the inclusion of two spinners - Axar Patel and Washington Sundar - and Nitish Reddy for batting depth. However, he also stressed that bowling should not be ignored. He questioned where Kuldeep would bowl if he can't bowl freely on these big grounds and emphasized that overspin could give him more bounce.

Selection strategy

Ashwin questions India's need for 3 all-rounders

Ashwin also criticized the team management for adding an extra batting option to shield batters instead of playing their best bowlers. He said, "If you want to build your game around batting depth, then the batters have to take responsibility, right? It's the job of the batters to score runs." The former spinner also questioned India's need for three all-rounders in their playing XI.

Performance review

Kuldeep was in top form during Asia Cup

Kuldeep has been in top form, playing a key role in India's Asia Cup victory. He was the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets from seven innings at an average of 9.29 and economy rate of 6.27. Kuldeep also topped the charts in a recent two-match Test series against West Indies with 12 wickets from four innings and best figures of 5/82.

Mental impact

'Continuously excluding Kuldeep could lead to mental struggle'

Ashwin also warned that continuously excluding Kuldeep could make him question his worth in the team, leading to a potentially crushing mental struggle. He said, "I feel when a player gets dropped, he or she questions themselves: 'Am I the reason the team will lose?' Kuldeep might have the same question in mind." The former spinner stressed on maintaining open communication with players like Kuldeep to avoid such situations.