Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned India’s decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the fourth T20I against the West Indies, arguing that the move lacked “a bit of common sense”. Ashwin believes Kuldeep’s ability to trouble West Indies batters with his wrist-spin variations could have made a significant difference in India’s 24-run defeat in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The West Indies posted an imposing 247/3 in their 20 overs, powered by Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 50 deliveries. India fought back during the chase but were eventually bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, allowing the visitors to level the five-match series at 2-2. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted the West Indies batters’ difficulties in picking Kuldeep’s googly and leg-spin. He felt the conditions in Hyderabad offered a reasonable opportunity for the left-arm wrist-spinner to influence the game.
“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 googly and leg-spin,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
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He further suggested that Kuldeep’s inclusion could have helped India restrict the visitors to a lower total. “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,” he added.
However, Ravichandran Ashwin supported India’s decision to leave Kuldeep out of the playing XI in Indore, pointing to the venue’s relatively small boundaries. He also disagreed with the suggestion that Kuldeep’s figures of 1/53 in the second T20I in Ranchi were responsible for India’s inability to defend a target of 250.
“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,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
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Kuldeep has an impressive record against the West Indies in T20I cricket, having claimed 20 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.70 and an economy rate of 7.13.
India captain Shreyas Iyer had previously explained that the team preferred an additional pacer in Indore because of the flat pitches expected during the series. However, Ashwin believes Kuldeep’s record against the West Indies made his omission in Hyderabad a questionable decision.
