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Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 for 7 led India to a record Asia Cup win over UAE in Dubai, sparking debate after Sanjay Manjrekar’s cheeky comment on his uncertain place under Gautam Gambhir.
India’s Kuldeep Yadav (X)
India opened their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in Dubai with a crushing nine-wicket win over hosts UAE, but Kuldeep Yadav’s mesmerizing performance inspired a few tongue-in-cheek comments from Sanjay Manjrekar about the chinaman’s uncertain place in the XI.
Playing his first T20I since the 2024 World Cup final, Kuldeep produced a magical spell of 4 for 7, including three wickets in a single over. His performance dismantled UAE for just 57 runs in 13.1 overs, setting up India’s fastest-ever run chase in Asia Cup history.
India needed only 4.3 overs to seal victory, with Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) and Shubman Gill (20 not out) ensuring the win was emphatic. Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his efforts.
Manjrekar’s Quip Sparks Debate
While the left-arm wrist-spinner earned praise, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar raised eyebrows with a wry comment on social media:
“Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now,” he posted on X, adding a cheeky emoji.
Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now. 😉— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 10, 2025
The remark, though lighthearted, struck a chord with fans who have long questioned Kuldeep’s treatment under successive coaches, including current head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Despite his consistency in limited-overs cricket, Kuldeep often finds himself sidelined, especially in Tests, where all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are preferred.
Kuldeep has been central to India’s recent ICC triumphs, yet his role remains precarious.
After the win, broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar put the question directly to him during the post-match interview:
“There is one thing I have noticed over the last few years, which is that you don’t play each and every game for India, and there are these gaps that you have. But when you come back, you put in these kinds of performances. It’s always back to your very best. How do you make that up?”
Kuldeep explained his approach:
“Especially in this format, reading the length is important and the batters, what they are trying to do. Also, about reacting to what the batters are trying to do against you.”
As India prepares for their blockbuster clash against Pakistan on September 14, all eyes will be on whether Gambhir and his think tank stick with Kuldeep or not.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
September 11, 2025, 10:04 IST
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