Former India spinner R Ashwin has expressed significant concern regarding the team's recent management of Kuldeep Yadav, stating that the bowler deserves better treatment. Kuldeep has been sidelined for three of India's last four ODIs, a stretch that included the opening match against England in Birmingham. Instead, the team management favored fingerspinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, both of whom offer additional utility with the bat.
During the recent series, Axar Patel contributed with a four-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century, while Washington Sundar also scored an unbeaten fifty as India successfully chased down a target of 263 with six wickets remaining. Despite these performances, Ashwin argued that the team will eventually need to narrow its selection, noting that there will likely be room for only one of the two fingerspinners in the XI by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in Africa.
Highlighting Kuldeep's value, Ashwin remarked, "I would love to see Kuldeep handed better treatment because he is a matchwinner." He pointed to the tactical balance of the England side, which utilizes a batting fingerspinner in Will Jacks alongside an attacking wrist-spinner in Adil Rashid, whose role closely mirrors that of Kuldeep in one-day cricket. Ashwin further noted that during the recent home series against Afghanistan, Kuldeep was restricted to just one appearance, during which he conceded 42 runs in ten overs without taking a wicket.
Beyond the spin department, Ashwin also addressed the ongoing challenge of replacing Hardik Pandya, who is currently sidelined due to injury. He noted that the team is still searching for a first-class replacement for the all-rounder. Regarding Shivam Dube, who has been filling in, Ashwin expressed approval for the team's persistence, noting that Dube bowling six overs was a positive step forward for the Indian side.
2:15 Ashwin: I would love to see Kuldeep being treated better
Kuldeep has now sat out three of India's last four ODIs, including the first one against England in Birmingham. The team management opted for fingerspinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who can also contribute with the bat. Axar took 4 for 62 and scored an unbeaten half-century in the chase. Though Washington Sund
