Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has questioned Team India’s decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI for the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s, calling the move one of the biggest selection errors of the series. The left-arm wrist-spinner did not feature in a single match during the UK tour, including the three-match ODI series, despite India struggling to find a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs.

Kuldeep’s omission became an even bigger talking point because India were without several key bowlers and all-rounders. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana were all unavailable for the series decider due to injuries or selection decisions. Despite the depleted attack, the team management opted for a four-pronged pace attack alongside Axar Patel instead of including Kuldeep.

The decision ultimately backfired as England piled up 387/3 in 50 overs before securing a 27-run victory to clinch the ODI series 2-1. Reacting to the selection on his YouTube channel, Cric It with Badri, Subramaniam Badrinath questioned why one of India’s most successful ODI bowlers continues to be overlooked.

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“Kuldeep Yadav is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs over the last five years with 87 wickets. Yet, he doesn’t have a place in the playing XI. He’s a wrist-spinner and a genuine wicket-taker. England have scored over 380, and you’ve left out India’s second-biggest X-factor with the ball after Jasprit Bumrah. There is something going on with the selections. Some players are randomly selected while others aren’t,” Subramaniam Badrinath said.

Kuldeep’s numbers further strengthen his case. The 31-year-old has claimed 194 wickets in 121 ODIs at an impressive average of 27.04 while maintaining an economy rate of just 5.07, making him one of India’s most effective bowlers in the format.

Badrinath also expressed concern over India’s bowling depth, insisting the attack lacks experience and quality whenever Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable. While Bumrah featured in the first two ODIs before missing the Lord’s clash with a knee injury, Hardik was unavailable throughout the series.

“The Indian bowling looked like an unlimited buffet in the final ODI. Whenever Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah don’t play, the team really struggles. You can keep bringing in Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana, but without Hardik and Bumrah, the bowling will never be good. It looks like an open buffet,” he added.

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India’s bowling figures reflected Badrinath’s concerns. None of the five bowlers managed an economy rate below six runs per over. Gurnoor Brar conceded 97 runs in his 10-over spell, while Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav also leaked more than 70 runs each, allowing England to post a match-winning total.