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Krishnamachari Srikkanth questions India’s decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav in the ODI against Australia, highlighting spinner impact at Optus Stadium.
Kris Srikkanth has criticised India’s decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of playing XI. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that he didn’t understand the logic behind why Kuldeep Yadav didn’t feature in the first ODI against Australia on Sunday, October 19, adding that wrist-spinners can be useful at any time, even in Australia.
India went down by seven wickets at Optus Stadium in Perth in a rain-reduced contest, posting 136/9 after being sent in to bat first. But they couldn’t defend the total as Australia wrapped up the match in less than 22 overs with ease.
Srikkanth noted the strong performance of spinners from both teams. For the hosts, left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann claimed two wickets, including Axar Patel (31) and Washington Sundar.
For India, Axar and the latter each picked up a wicket, with Sundar dismissing wicketkeeper Josh Philippe (37). Therefore, Srikkanth couldn’t understand India’s reasoning behind not playing wrist-spinner Kuldeep.
“Who gave them crucial breakthroughs apart from Starc and Hazelwood? It was Kuhnemann. Axar also took an important wicket for us. The spinners had done a good job,” Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“They would always do a better job. Wrist-spinners are potential match winners. I didn’t understand the logic behind why they dropped Kuldeep. I would still play Kuldeep, Washington and Axar,” Srikkanth said.
“Spinners will do a better job in these conditions than medium pacers,” the former India cricketer added.
Srikkanth criticised India’s focus on batting depth as well, noting that the push for batters up to No. 8 has often left Kuldeep out. He highlighted how the latter has been in excellent form across formats.
“He is bowling so well in Tests; he bowled so well in the Asia Cup. He has played well in T20s and you say things like on Australian wickets, the ball doesn’t turn, so we aren’t playing Kuldeep Yadav,” Srikkanth said.
“It is a dangerous statement and I don’t understand this. Forget the combination and eight batters. Go for the best players and the best team. How many runs can a number eight batter get you anyway?” Srikkanth questioned.
October 20, 2025, 17:12 IST
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