Kuldeep Yadav given no clarity by Indian team on his future

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak issued a clarification on left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion from the playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Kotak stated that Kuldeep didn’t get a chance in the XI due to the pace-friendly wicket in Perth and the team combination.

India included three all-rounders and three specialist pacers for the series opener in Perth, with Kuldeep Yadav on the bench despite his excellent recent form and impressive record in the format. The Indian batters managed to score only 136 runs in 26 overs, leaving the bowlers with very little to defend.

The Decision Is Taken After Assessing the Wicket - Sitanshu Kotak on Kuldeep Yadav

Sitanshu Kotak stated that Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the second ODI will depend on the pitch and match conditions. He emphasized that team balance is a priority over individual selection, with the decision based on whether the squad requires an extra batter or a lower-order option.

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“The decision is taken after assessing the wicket. It completely depends on the conditions whether you need an extra batter or a batter at number 8. It’s more about the balance of the team, rather than an individual," Kotak added.

Kuldeep Yadav Enjoys a Stellar 2025 Across All Formats

Kuldeep Yadav has had an outstanding 2025 across formats. His omission from India’s playing XI in the first ODI against Australia came as a surprise. The left-arm wrist spinner was instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, claiming seven wickets at an economy of 4.79 in five matches.

He continued his dominance in the 2025 Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps, including a four-wicket haul in the final. Kuldeep maintained his form in the home Test series against the West Indies, taking 12 wickets to help India secure a 2-0 series whitewash.

The 30-year-old cricketer has proven himself as a key performer for India across formats. He has taken 181 wickets in 113 ODI matches at an average of 26.44 and an economy rate under five.

They Are Pretty Much Aware That Their Turn Will Come - Sitanshu Kotak

Sitanshu Kotak also spoke about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence from the playing XI, adding that the young opener will need to be patient for his opportunity. Kotak stated that Jaiswal, who debuted in ODIs earlier this year against England, must make the most of the chance when it comes.

“I think he’s in the squad, in the practice, and they (other youngsters) are pretty much aware that their turn will come, and they prepare well. At the end of the day, only 11 can play, so you have to wait for your turn and then perform," Kotak said.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has yet to become a regular member in India’s white-ball teams despite his skills. The 23-year-old has cemented his reputation as one of the finest Test openers globally but has played just 23 T20Is and a single ODI, even with outstanding performances in the IPL and domestic cricket.

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