Twitter Reaction
Netizens Question Kuldeep Yadav’s Omission From India’s Playing XI Against Bangladesh
By CricShots - Sep 19, 2024 10:42 am
Views 17

India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was a notable omission from the playing XI for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh. Despite his strong performance earlier in the year, skipper Rohit Sharma opted for a team composition featuring two spinners and three pacers on a traditionally spin-friendly pitch at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Ollie Pope

Kuldeep last appeared in the five-match Test series against England, where he was impressive, taking 19 wickets across four Tests at an average of 20.16, including a “Player of the Match” performance in Dharamsala with figures of 5/72. However, for this match, India has gone with the reliable duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja as their spin options.

ALSO READ: Rumana Ahmed dropped from Bangladesh’s World Cup squad

Returning to the national team, Jasprit Bumrah, who last played during the T20 World Cup 2024, leads the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. After losing the toss, Rohit Sharma shared his approach to the game, saying, “We want to focus on what lies in front of us. We came here a week back and had a good prep. We feel confident. Three seamers and two spinners – Bumrah, Akash Deep, Siraj, Ashwin, and Jadeja.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prepared a red-soil pitch for the match, aimed at countering Bangladesh’s spin strength by providing good bounce and carry for the pacers. Akash Deep earned his spot following his solid performance in the 2024 Duleep Trophy.

ALSO READ: “I believe Virat will score a hell of runs” – Suresh Raina

Kuldeep’s exclusion sparked reactions on social media, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter). Many fans and cricket experts questioned Rohit Sharma’s decision to drop a proven match-winner like Kuldeep.