Kuldeep Yadav needs more regular playing time across formats or should feature in domestic cricket instead of sitting on the bench. Former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju expressed surprise that the wrist-spinner did not get a single game during the recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
- Kuldeep Yadav featured in only three matches out of 35 played in SENA countries over the last 24 months.
- Venkatapathy Raju stated that wrist-spinners are major assets in white-ball cricket and require match practice.
- Axar Patel is currently lacking a quality spin partner at the other end to help restrict totals.
- India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand starting on Wednesday.
Selection Policies And Squad Concerns
However, the former national selector questioned why players like Kuldeep Yadav continue to be selected across all formats without getting adequate game time. Because modern batters aggressively target bowling attacks without sufficient variations, experts believe match practice is essential. As a result, the team management faces pressure to maximize their core match-winners ahead of major tournaments.
Meanwhile, injuries to fast bowlers have further complicated team combinations during recent bilateral fixtures. Although India chased totals effectively in the T20 matches, defending scores remains a challenge due to a lack of breakthroughs in the middle overs. Therefore, finding the right balance among all-rounders and specialized bowlers is vital before upcoming global events.
Experience And World Cup Preparations
Later, discussions shifted toward the importance of experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the fifty-over format. Because both veterans only play specific formats now, experts feel they should feature in as many matches as possible. Meanwhile, younger players must step up to gain valuable international experience in overseas conditions.
After recent series losses in England and Australia, the team management must address these tactical gaps quickly. Although bilateral defeats can happen during transitional phases, establishing a settled bowling attack is the primary objective. Consequently, upcoming fixtures will test the bench strength and squad depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Keep browsing Sporting Avenue to get more interesting news from the world of sports. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the notifications instantly.
