Ravichandran Ashwin has ignited a fresh controversy surrounding the Indian cricket team's selection strategy, openly questioning the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI and taking a dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir's obsession with batting depth. The veteran off-spinner's remarks came after Kuldeep Yadav was surprisingly left out of the Perth ODI against Australia, despite his strong performances in recent matches.
Ashwin, known for his outspoken views on cricket matters, didn't mince words as he addressed the issue on his YouTube channel. "Kitne all-rounders chaiye? (How many all-rounders do you need?)" Ashwin questioned, expressing his bewilderment at the team management's decision to prioritize batting depth over Kuldeep's proven wicket-taking ability. He argued that while extra runs from lower-order batsmen might seem beneficial, they are no substitute for a genuine strike bowler who can change the course of a match.
The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist-spinner with a unique ability to deceive batsmen, has baffled many cricket experts. Despite having a stellar record, including a five-wicket haul against England in Dharamsala in 2024 and another against the West Indies at Kotla in 2025, Kuldeep has often found himself on the fringes of the Indian team. Ashwin pointed out that many batters struggle to pick Kuldeep's variations, making him a valuable asset, especially when the pitches are conducive to spin.
Ashwin warned that the team management's repeated snub of Kuldeep Yadav could be a "ticking pressure bomb". He suggested that keeping a talented player like Kuldeep on the sidelines for too long could negatively impact his morale and confidence. He emphasized the importance of giving Kuldeep consistent opportunities to showcase his skills and contribute to the team's success.
Ashwin's criticism wasn't solely directed at Kuldeep's exclusion from the Perth ODI. He also alluded to the recent Test series against England, where Kuldeep Yadav was surprisingly left out of all five matches, despite the surfaces offering assistance to spin. Ashwin said that he would have been shocked if someone had told him that Kuldeep Yadav will not be playing any part in the first four Tests. He attributed this decision to the team's "obsession with batting," suggesting that the management was prioritizing batsmen who could bowl a bit over specialist bowlers who could win matches.
Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach has brought about a noticeable shift in India's team selection strategy, with greater emphasis on all-rounders. While Gambhir has publicly stated his desire to add depth to both the batting and bowling departments, his approach has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Ashwin. Some experts believe that the pursuit of "illusionary all-rounders" is undermining the importance of specialist bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep Yadav, for his part, has maintained a dignified silence on the issue. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that he was disappointed to miss out on the Test series against England but added that he respected the team management's decision. He stated that Gambhir had clearly communicated that the team needed batting depth, and he used the time to work on his fitness and bowling.
Ashwin's outburst has once again brought the spotlight on the delicate balance between batting depth and bowling firepower in cricket team selection. As India prepares for crucial upcoming series, it remains to be seen whether the team management will heed Ashwin's warning and give Kuldeep Yadav the opportunities he deserves.
