Follow UsFormer Indian offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his frustration with head coach Gautam Gambhir after India dropped Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the first ODI against Australia in Perth on October 19 (Sunday). Despite delivering consistent performances, the left-arm wristspinner has often fallen victim to the team management’s focus on including as many all-rounders as possible across formats.
Kuldeep was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year and emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The spinner claimed 17 wickets in seven games at an astonishing average of 9.29 and followed it up with another stellar Test series against the West Indies, taking the most wickets (12 @ 19.50).
However, in the first ODI against Australia, India opted for two spin-bowling all-rounders - Axar Patel and Washington Sundar - alongside fast-bowling Nitish Kumar Reddy, prioritising batting depth over Kuldeep’s inclusion. The extra batting depth, however, made little difference as India managed only 136/9 in 26 overs in a rain-hit match, which Australia chased comfortably.
“I can understand why there are two spinners playing in the team, along with Nitish Reddy. They want that batting depth, because Axar and Washington can bat, but bowling ke upar bhi thoda dhayan dedo yaar (concentrate on bowling as well). In these big grounds, if Kuldeep can't bowl with a lot of freedom, then where will he play? And there will be overspin, which will get him more bounce,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, as reported by Hindustan Times.
“See, I understand that they will talk about this batting depth, but if that is going to help you win games, then batters should be able to take the responsibility. If they are playing extra batters, then they are again shielding the batting line-up. I will always say, play your best bowlers. Don't pick a player only because you want to extend your batting. Kitne all-rounders chaiye aapko (How many all-rounders do you want)? You already have three already. Even after having Nitish in the side, if you can't play your best bowlers, then I can't get it at all.”
Ashwin also highlighted the impact of Kuldeep being in and out of the team, warning that it could affect the spinner’s confidence. Kuldeep was also not picked for a single match during India’s five-Test series in England. “I feel when a player gets dropped, he or she questions themselves: ‘Am I the reason the team will lose?’
“Kuldeep might have the same question in mind. If, after such good performances, he gets dropped and someone else gets a chance, he might be thinking he is the problem in the team. Whether he is or not is different, but this very thing causes a lot of debate within. It can be very crushing, and not many players can handle it. Keep direct communication with him.”