Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about the team management’s treatment of Kuldeep Yadav and has called for the left-arm wrist spinner to be given more chances leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In a recent match against England at Edgbaston, India opted for finger-spinning all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar over Kuldeep. Ashwin emphasized the importance of Kuldeep’s role in the 2027 World Cup and stressed that the spinner deserves stronger support from the management.
Ashwin expressed disappointment with how Kuldeep has been handled, emphasizing the need to boost his confidence. He urged the management to provide Kuldeep with consistent opportunities to excel, highlighting the spinner’s match-winning abilities.
Amid injuries to key players, India has been testing Shivam Dube as a seam-bowling all-rounder. However, Ashwin cautioned against relying heavily on Dube for the 50-over format, advocating for the return of injured players like Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Ashwin also praised skipper Shubman Gill for his recent batting performances and captaincy skills. He commended Gill’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism about his potential as a future captain in the 50-over format, citing his impressive batting displays in various formats.
Looking ahead to the upcoming ODI match in Cardiff, Ashwin highlighted young pacer Gurnoor Brar as a promising fast-bowling talent for India. He lauded Brar’s skills and potential across different formats, emphasizing the importance of managing the young bowler effectively to ensure a successful and injury-free career.
