Former Indian off spinner R Ashwin has criticised the decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI arguing that the move was illogical.
He believes the wrist spinner’s inclusion could have had a significant impact on India’s ongoing T20I series against the West Indies.
In which matches did Kuldeep Yadav feature, and how did he perform?
Kuldeep Yadav featured in the opening two T20Is in Lucknow and Ranchi but was omitted from the subsequent fixtures in Indore and Hyderabad. He claimed two wickets for 33 runs in the series opener before an expensive outing in Ranchi saw him give away 53 runs in a match India failed to win.
How did India’s bowlers fare in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad?
India’s bowlers endured another difficult outing in Hyderabad during the fourth T20I as the West Indies piled up 247/3. The visitors then restricted the hosts to 223, securing a 24-run victory.
What reasons did R Ashwin give for supporting Kuldeep Yadav’s selection against West Indies?
‘It is very surprising because, on a ground where you expect to get some bounce, I know it has not always been a happy hunting ground for spinners. But the West Indies batters are struggling to pick his (Kuldeep) googly and leg-spin. So, if you are leaving Kuldeep out against them, it lacks a bit of common sense. It is very surprising because I think his presence could have made a difference of 15-20 runs,’ Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Why did R Ashwin disagree with blaming Kuldeep Yadav for the loss in Ranchi?
‘I was surprised. Kuldeep was not picked in Indore, and I would still endorse that decision because I can understand that the ground is small. But you are almost making an issue out of it by suggesting that India’s loss in Ranchi was because of Kuldeep. That, in itself, is wrong,’ he added.
What is the current state of the T20I series heading into the final match?
Kuldeep Yadav topped India’s bowling charts during the three match ODI series against the West Indies earlier this month finishing with seven dismissals. The five game T20I contest remains level at 2-2 setting up a winner takes all clash in Bengaluru.