Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has openly criticised Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI management for leaving out Kuldeep Yadav in the first ODI against England. His remarks have sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and analysts alike.
Ashwin Questions Management’s Strategy
Ashwin slammed the management’s decision to focus more on batting depth instead of maintaining a balanced bowling attack. He said, “Please focus on bowling too. If Kuldeep can’t bowl freely on these big grounds, then where is he gonna bowl? Play your best batters and best bowlers why have too many all-rounders?”
Reflection on His Own Retirement
Ashwin’s comments also reflect his personal struggles before retirement. He hinted that similar management decisions led to his own exclusion from key matches, which caused deep frustration and ultimately influenced his decision to retire.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Consistent Performances
Kuldeep has repeatedly proven his value, especially in the ODI format. His impressive showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he picked up 15 wickets, showcased his match-winning potential.
Continued Excellence in T20 Cricket
Kuldeep’s dominance extended to the T20 format too, where he bagged 17 wickets in the recently concluded Asia Cup. His consistent performance has strengthened his case for a permanent spot in the team.
Call for Fair Selection
Despite his achievements, Kuldeep continues to be benched to make room for multiple all-rounders and players like Harshit Rana, who are still developing. Such decisions, Ashwin believes, could demotivate key bowlers and create another situation similar to his own experience. The management, he urged, must act more thoughtfully when selecting squads for upcoming series.
