Kris Srikkanth clashes again with Gautam Gambhir, questions illogical snub of Kuldeep Yadav
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Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has once again had a clash of opinion with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, this time questioning the snub of Kuldeep Yadav from the Indian playing XI for the first ODI in Perth.
India played with a total of three all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, of whom the two spinners picked a wicket each. However, India faced a crushing defeat by a huge 7-wicket margin, having failed to defend 131 runs.
After immense criticism from former cricketers over the snub of in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav, it would be interesting to see if Team India reconsider their strategy for the Second ODI. Kris Srikkanth is among the latest of the critics of the Indian management and Gautam Gambhir's decision.
"Wrist-spinners are potential match winners. I did not understand the logic why they dropped Kuldeep Yadav," questioned Kris Srikkanth
Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has once again opposed Gautam Gambhir's tactics and team selection. Though this time, he has moved on from Harshit Rana and has chided the Indian coach for the snub of Kuldeep Yadav from the Indian Playing XI for the first ODI.
Srikkanth cited how the spinner did well even for the Australian side. Matthew Kuhnemann, the spinner replacing Adam Zampa, picked up two wickets, while Sundar and Axar Patel gave crucial breakthroughs to India. He therefore clearly mentioned having failed to reason with Kuldeep's snub.
"Who gave them crucial breakthroughs apart from Starc and Hazelwood? It was Kuhnemann. Axar also took an important wicket for us. The spinners had done a good job. They would always do a better job."
"Wrist-spinners are potential match winners. I did not understand the logic why they dropped Kuldeep. I would still play Kuldeep, Washington, and Axar. Spinners will do a better job in these conditions than medium pacers," he said on his YouTube channel.
"Forget the combination and eight batters. Go for the best players and the best team" - Srikkanth echoes Ashwin's advice to Gautam Gambhir
The 1983 World Cup winner further went on to highlight Kuldeep's stunning form and his dominant performances across all formats of the game. However, he strictly voiced against limiting a spinner of Kuldeep's caliber to just subcontinent-like conditions.
Kuldeep Yadav did not feature in a single match in England during their tour earlier this year. Srikkanth, much like Ravichandran Ashwin, urged India to give up batting depth concerns and play with the best players available.
"He is bowling so well in Tests; he bowled so well in the Asia Cup. He has played well in T20 cricket and you say things like on Australian wickets, the ball does not turn so we are not playing Kuldeep Yadav. It is a dangerous statement and I do not understand this," said Srikkanth.
"Forget the combination and eight batters. Go for the best players and the best team. How many runs can an number eight batter get you anyway? Forget seven batters or eight batters, Kuldeep just has to play. Any other team, he would just walk in. It is very sad," Srikkanth's strict ultimatum.
"That is where we are making mistakes"- Srikkanth reflects on India's mistakes in the 1st ODI
Alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Srikkanth has also put forward the name of Prasidh Krishna, who he thinks should have been played over Harshit Rana. Srikkanth has, anyway, never been happy with Rana's selection and further added that Krishna could have made good use of the Australian conditions.
"What can we say? How much can we say? Prasidh Krishna has the height, gets the bounce, has the pace, he is in good rhythm from the England Tests. I would have gone with Kuldeep first and then my choice would be Prasidh Krishna," he said.
India could not choke their opposition with the ball despite having dismissed Travis Head early in the innings. He highlighted that the middle overs play a very crucial role, and bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav are effective at picking wickets during this phase.
"The more wickets you take in the middle overs, the run-rate will come down automatically. That is where we are making mistakes. You need wicket-taking bowlers in the middle overs and that is where Kuldeep will be very useful," Srikkanth concluded.
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India National Cricket Team Australia National Cricket Team India tour of Australia Kuldeep Yadav Gautam Gambhir Kris Srikkanth Nitish Kumar Reddy Washington Sundar India vs Australia
