The recent ODI series against Australia has thrown Indian cricket into a fresh selection storm. At the heart of the controversy is the baffling exclusion of star wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who squarely blames captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir for a costly ‘injustice’ .
Kaif’s Scathing Verdict on Team India
Mohammad Kaif didn’t mince his words. He declared that India’s loss in the rain-affected second ODI at Perth was a direct consequence of leaving Kuldeep Yadav out of the playing XI. ‘Guarantee you 100 per cent that India would have won this game’ with Kuldeep in the side, Kaif asserted . His frustration was palpable, especially when comparing India’s lack of a potent spinner to Adam Zampa’s match-winning four-wicket haul for Australia .
The Questionable Alternatives: Rana or Reddy?
Instead of the proven match-winner Kuldeep, the team management opted for other options, a move Kaif found deeply flawed. He publicly questioned the bowling strengths of Harshit Rana, implying a lack of the necessary skill-set for such high-stakes contests . While Harshit Rana has shown promise in domestic cricket and the IPL with an economy rate of 9.51 , his experience at the international level is still nascent. Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy, a talented all-rounder, has impressive domestic stats but his international bowling average of 49.3 suggests he is still developing his craft on the biggest stage .
Gill and Gambhir: A Leadership Under Fire
This isn’t an isolated incident. The Gill-Gambhir leadership duo is facing mounting scrutiny over a series of selection calls that many pundits see as puzzling . From promoting Axar Patel over established batters to now benching a key bowler like Kuldeep, their strategy is being intensely debated. Critics argue that the pair are making decisions that seem to prioritize a long-term vision over immediate, winning combinations, a luxury a team of India’s stature can ill afford against top opponents like Australia .
Why Kuldeep’s Absence Was So Costly
Kuldeep Yadav isn’t just any bowler; he’s India’s premier left-arm wrist-spinner, a rare and highly effective weapon in modern ODI cricket. His ability to extract sharp turn and deceive batters in the middle overs is a critical asset, especially on pitches that offer some assistance. By leaving him out, India’s bowling attack lost its primary wicket-taking threat in the crucial middle phase, leaving the door open for Australian batters to settle in—a gap that Zampa expertly exploited for the hosts .
What’s Next for Team India?
The pressure is now squarely on Gill and Gambhir to respond. Will they stick to their guns and continue to experiment, or will they heed the calls from veterans like Kaif and bring Kuldeep back into the fold for the crucial upcoming fixtures? The answer will define not just the outcome of the next series, but also the credibility of this new leadership era.