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Ravichandran Ashwin remains firm on his stand to keep supporting Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. In a recent Cricinfo video, the former India National Cricket Team spinner stated that Kuldeep Yadav deserves to represent the nation in the showcase event.
As multiple talents have recently played for the national side, it is hard to tell which players will finally be selected for the 2027 World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav, one of the most experienced frontline spinners in the current set-up, is often placed outside of the playing XI, which makes his selection uncertain for the upcoming World Cup.
"Deserves to walk into the XI": Ravichandran Ashwin on Kuldeep Yadav
In a sense of proclamation, Ravichandran Ashwin opined in the short video that Kuldeep deserves to walk into the playing XI as he has already proved himself multiple times in the past.
“I just think the guy deserves to walk into the XI to see what he is capable of himself. Nobody has given him that sort of a run, right? As a cricketer, when I played or even when I'm watching, I would love to be given an opportunity if I was there. Or I would rather say a player should succeed and fail on his own terms,” Ashwin said.
“And I think Kuldeep has earned the right to walk into the XI and make a contribution. If he fails, he fails. That's okay. I'm sure he'd be desperate to do well. But I really hope,” he added.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains why the Indian cricket team must select Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI
Kuldeep, who has played 18 Tests so far and claimed 79 wickets, knows how to handle pressure situations. With his bowling skills, determination, and mental strength, Kuldeep has suited himself nicely for the longest format of the game, and R Ashwin urged the Gautam Gambhir-led team management to support the 31-year-old for the 2027 showdown, which will be in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“And there is pressure naturally when you walk into a Test match, representing your country, wanting to win a Test match for your team. I really hope that the staff, the coaches, the players around him put an arm around his shoulder, look after him well, and make sure he is... He feels nice about himself. And to lean into someone and not feel the pressure, to be able to execute and exhibit his skills,” Ashwin added.
Ravichandran Ashwin points out how Rohit Sharma used to utilise Kuldeep Yadav
Before concluding the 1-minute 13-second video, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted that it was probably the former India skipper Rohit Sharma who utilized Kuldeep Yadav in the best possible way. Ashwin wished to see a similar chemistry between the present captain Shubman Gill and the spinner.
“At the end of the day, he is very skillful. We all know that. I felt somehow that under Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav really came into his own. And he was able to express himself so wonderfully well. And I really hope that Shubman can look after him. The coaches can put an arm around his shoulder. And he has a series to remember. I just feel the guy deserves it,” the former spinner concluded.
'Kuldeep has earned the right to succeed and fail on his own terms' 🗣️ R Ashwin pic.twitter.com/klXhrArkrr
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 14, 2026
