Team India’s decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav in Australia has left fans and experts equally puzzled. At a time when India needed wicket-taking options in the middle overs, they’ve left their in-form spinner watching from the sidelines, and it might just be their biggest tactical mistake of the series.
Kuldeep’s Red-Hot Form Ignored
Kuldeep isn’t just in form, he’s been on fire. In his last two Tests against West Indies, he picked up 12 wickets, and during the Asia Cup, he took 17 wickets in just 7 T20Is, including four 3 or 3+ wicket hauls. His variations, rhythm, and confidence have been top-notch. Yet, India chose to go with an extra all-rounder instead of a proven match-winner. The result? Neither the batting depth nor the fourth seamer added much value. India still lost both games, exposing a strategic flaw in their selection.
The All-Rounder Obsession
It’s clear that in Hardik Pandya’s absence, India has been desperate to find a fast-bowling all-rounder. But experiments with Nitish Reddy haven’t worked till now. He went for 16 runs in just 2.1 overs in Perth and 24 runs in 3 overs at Adelaide. With little contribution from the ball, the gamble has backfired.
Instead, India could have unleashed Kuldeep, a bowler capable of bowling 10 quality overs, breaking partnerships, and turning the game on its head. In Australian conditions, where batters are unfamiliar with his trajectory and turn, Kuldeep could have been a serious weapon.
Zampa’s Success, India’s Missed Opportunity
Ironically, Australia’s own wrist-spinner Adam Zampa proved how effective spin can be. His 4-wicket haul in Adelaide earned him Player of the Match, showing exactly what India lacked: a wicket-taking spinner in the middle overs.
A Strategy That Needs Rethink
Batting till number 8 means nothing if you can’t take wickets. India’s obsession with “depth” has come at the cost of balance. Leaving out a genuine match-winner like Kuldeep Yadav is not caution, it’s a mistake.
If India wants to finish the series on a high, they’ll need to rethink fast and bring back their trump card before it’s too late.
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