R Ashwin questions Kuldeep Yadav’s omission from India’s playing XI against WI

Ravi Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav (Pic: File)

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over the team management's choice to exclude wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the starting lineup, calling the move a lack of common sense during the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies.

Kuldeep Yadav featured in the first two matches in Lucknow and Ranchi before being benched for the next fixtures in Indore and Hyderabad. The left-arm spinner recorded figures of 2 for 33 in the opening game, but conceded 53 runs during the second T20I in Ranchi, which ended in defeat for India.

India's bowling difficulties continued in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad, where the West Indies posted a formidable 247 for 3 before bowling India out for 223 to secure a 24-run victory.

Analysing the selection choices on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin voiced his disagreement with leaving out the chinaman bowler:

"It is very surprising because, on a ground where you expect to get some bounce, I know it has not always been a happy hunting ground for spinners. But the West Indies batters are struggling to pick his (Kuldeep) googly and leg-spin. So, if you are leaving Kuldeep out against them, it lacks a bit of common sense. It is very surprising because I think his presence could have made a difference of 15-20 runs." Ashwin said.

Management blaming Kuldeep for Ranchi defeat is wrong, says Ashwin

Expressing further concern, Ashwin argued that benching Kuldeep created an impression that he was being singled out for the loss in the second match, despite his preceding strong form.

"I was surprised. Kuldeep was not picked in Indore, and I would still endorse that decision because I can understand that the ground is small. But you are almost making an issue out of it by suggesting that India's loss in Ranchi was because of Kuldeep. That, in itself, is wrong," Ashwin added.

Before the T20Is, Kuldeep finished as India's highest wicket-taker during the ODI leg against the West Indies earlier this month, taking seven wickets across three games. The five-match series remains deadlocked at 2-2, with the decisive final fixture scheduled for Bengaluru.

(With inputs from PTI)