Despite being a long-standing squad member, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has struggled to secure a place in the playing XI of late. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the team management’s persistent preference for Washington Sundar and Axar Patel over Kuldeep during the ongoing series against England.
Chopra argued that Kuldeep is frequently the first to be sacrificed when the team faces setbacks, regardless of whether the match is at home or abroad. He asserted that selectors and team management often discard Kuldeep without due consideration, despite his proven match-winning credentials.
“The more you think about him, the more you realise what is happening? Why is justice never done to this guy? Why does this guy never get proper opportunities? We are not treating him well, there is no doubt about it,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“It has happened in multiple formats. It has happened in India and outside India. He is the first guy who faces the consequence of anything, whether it’s a change in strategy, the team not doing well, or the batting not going well. The first guy who goes out is Kuldeep Yadav,” he added.
Chopra Labels Kuldeep Yadav’s Situation a ‘Travesty’
This year, Kuldeep has seen limited game time across all formats, intensifying scrutiny over his role in the national setup. Despite retaining his spot in the squad, the team management appears uncertain about how best to deploy the spinner or whether he merits a starting berth.
“He has played for so many years, but has played a handful of matches. As soon as someone is doing slightly better, he is played ahead of him, or an all-rounder who can bat is played ahead of him. So, not being able to make a place for Kuldeep Yadav is a travesty,” Chopra said.
“When we talk especially about ODI cricket, where the middle overs are slightly sluggish, you need a wicket-taker, and not to think about Kuldeep Yadav at all in such a scenario, I think it’s a little sad. The right thing is not happening. I feel there should at least be an attempt to play him in the XI, but it’s not happening at all. I don’t like it,” he concluded.