Ravichandran Ashwin has once again voiced his disappointment over Kuldeep Yadav’s non-selection, this time after India’s second ODI loss to Australia in Adelaide. The veteran off-spinner didn’t mince words, calling out skipper Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir for their team selection approach, which, in his view, continues to prioritise batting depth over wicket-taking strength.
Ashwin argued that with Jasprit Bumrah rested, India desperately needed a genuine strike option in the middle overs — and Kuldeep Yadav was the only man suited for that role. Instead, India’s bowling looked flat and lacked bite, while Adam Zampa showcased the value of wrist spin with a four-wicket haul that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ashwin’s take on strategy and mindset
In his YouTube show, Ashwin criticised India’s tactical thinking, saying that “good leaders think from the opposition’s point of view.” According to him, neither Gill nor Gambhir seemed to consider how much trouble Kuldeep Yadav could have caused the Australian batting lineup.
“The bowling attack is looking a bit ordinary,” Ashwin remarked bluntly. “You need bowlers who can take wickets, not batters who can bowl a few overs. Just look at how Zampa spun the game around.”
Ashwin also broke down why Kuldeep’s absence made little sense — pointing out that several Australian players, including Copper Connolly and Mitchell Owen, have never faced the spinner, while others like Alex Carey have struggled against him in the past. “Everyone who’s faced Kuldeep initially has struggled. Leaving him out was not a wise call,” he added.
Fans across social media echoed Ashwin’s sentiment, with many believing India missed a golden opportunity to put pressure on Australia with Kuldeep’s mystery spin.
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