With India staring at a possible whitewash against Australia, former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes spinner Kuldeep Yadav could be brought in to strengthen the side for the third and final ODI at Sydney’s SCG on Saturday.
India Struggles Ahead of Final ODI
Shubman Gill’s team has taken two heavy losses in Perth and Adelaide. Aakash Chopra feels the Sydney pitch might finally offer India a chance to fight back.
“Kuldeep likely to play at Sydney. Perhaps a slightly spin-friendly surface… could easily come in for a pacer. Given the batting performance in the first two ODIs, I’m not expecting the team to drop a batter for a bowler,” Chopra wrote on X.
Team Balance Under the Microscope
Chopra also spoke about India’s team composition, highlighting the importance of batting depth in modern white-ball cricket. He noted that teams often struggle when they rely on only seven batters, especially when the top order is out of form.
“It’s fine to say if seven batters aren’t enough, eight won’t help either. But modern-day white-ball cricket demands some batting ability at No. 8,” he explained. “It’s difficult to play only seven batters when form and conditions both challenge you.”
Pressure Mounts on India’s Key Players
India’s campaign has been disappointing so far. The team lost the toss in Perth and went down again in Adelaide despite Rohit Sharma’s fighting knock. Virat Kohli’s back-to-back dismissals have also sparked concern about his form heading into the Sydney clash.
All Eyes on Kuldeep’s Return
With pride at stake, the focus now shifts to India’s selection strategy. Fans are eager to see if the team brings back Kuldeep Yadav in a bid to avoid a rare ODI whitewash on Australian soil.
Kuldeep likely to play at Sydney. Perhaps, a slightly spin-friendly surface…could easily come in for a pacer.
Given the batting performance in the first 2 ODIs, I’m not expecting the team to drop a batter for a bowler. Very unlikely. #AusvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 24, 2025
