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India's massive 125-run defeat against England in the third T20I has raised many questions about the team's selection. After the embarrassing loss at Trent Bridge, legendary spinner Anil Kumble has openly questioned the team management for making too many changes in the playing XI.
Kumble was really shocked to see Kuldeep Yadav out of the T20I set up. The former Indian head coach feels the left-arm wrist-spinner has been treated unfairly after just one poor IPL season. Amid this, KL Rahul's T20I return gains support after India's loss to England in 3rd game.
India had a terrible outing with the bat in the third T20I. Chasing 202 runs, the Indian batters completely failed and were bowled out for only 76 runs in 11.4 overs. It was India's biggest defeat by runs in T20I history and handed England a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series.
Anil Kumble slams Indian selectors for dropping Kuldeep Yadav after one poor IPL
After the crushing defeat, Anil Kumble said one bad IPL season should not decide a player's future. He also stressed that a player who has won many matches for India should not be dropped so easily.
The legendary spinner has reminded everyone that Kuldeep Yadav was an important member of India's ICC T20 World Cup-winning team in both the 2024 and 2026 editions.
Kumble pointed out that the spinner is not part of the upcoming Zimbabwe tour after being overlooked for the England tour, and that is a clear sign that the selectors have moved on from the chinaman bowler.
Kumble says India made a big blunder by dropping Kuldeep Yadav after England disaster
Anil Kumble said on JioHotstar's 'Match Centre Live’: “Kuldeep Yadav certainly didn't have a great season in the IPL, but he is a champion bowler. He should have been a part of the squad for this England tour."
"He was part of the side that won the T20 World Cup, and now he is not part of the squad here in England nor the team going to Zimbabwe. So yes, it means they have moved on from Kuldeep after just one poor IPL season.”
Kumble also believes every cricketer goes through ups and downs, but they should be given time and support instead of being dropped after a few poor performances. Earlier, Moeen Ali drops bold verdict on 'Impact Player' rule after India's batting failure in 3rd T20I.
The former head coach continued, “I certainly feel that when you pick players, you need to keep backing them. Ups and downs are part and parcel of life. They keep happening, but that doesn't mean failures end up with you getting dropped from the squad.”
Anil Kumble sends strong message to Team India over Kuldeep Yadav
The former Indian head coach noted that Kuldeep is still only 31 years old and has many years of cricket left, urging the team management to show more trust in the wrist-spinner and play him.
He signed off by saying, “I think it's important to also say, 'Okay, who are your main bowlers and who are your bowlers who have done well?' It's not like Kuldeep is 38 years old, and you are looking to bring in the next youngster."
"He is 31, has a lot of cricket to offer, and doesn't play all three formats regularly. He doesn't play much Test cricket, so it's not like he is burdened and needs to be rested. He needs to play.”
