Star India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticized the team management for excluding Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI, and opting for three all-rounders.
Published: October 20, 2025 1:52 PM IST
News Delhi: Star Indian cricket Ravichandran Ashwin criticized the team management for excluding Kuldeep Yadav in India’s first ODI clash against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Despite the return of India’s stalwart Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India suffered a narrow defeat. Shubman Gill-led India featured three all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, which left no room for Kuldeep. Even with a strong batting lineup, India managed to post a total of 136 in 26 overs. Ashwin expressed frustration with the selection, highlighting that Kuldeep could have been particularly effective on big grounds like Perth.
Ashwin slammed Indian team management after disappointing defeat in Perth
“I can understand why they’re playing two spinners in the game along with Nitish Reddy, they want the batting depth because both Washington and Axar can bat. But man, at least give some attention to the bowling too. On these big grounds, if Kuldeep can’t bowl with a lot of freedom, where will he bowl then? And there’s going to be over spin which will help him get bounce as well,” Ashwin said on YouTube.
“They will talk about this batting depth. But if you want to build your game around batting depth, then the batters have to take responsibility, right? It’s the job of the batters to score the runs. If you’re playing an extra batter, it’s again about shielding the batters. Play your best bowlers I’ll always say this play your best bowlers. Don’t pick a team just to extend your batting,” he added.
Ashwin pointed finger on the decision to include three all-rounders
The right-arm-off-spinner pointed finger on the decision to include three all-rounders in the playing XI.
“How many all-rounders do you need? You already have three all-rounders. There was a time when there were no all-rounders. You’ve got Washington, you’ve got Axar, and you’ve got Nitish. With all this, if you still can’t play your best spinner, I don’t get it at all,” he said.
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