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Kuldeep Yadav played a key role in India's eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first ODI, producing a four-wicket spell after the hosts had made a strong start. The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with 4/40 from his 10 overs and changed the momentum of the innings.
Kuldeep's performance came at an important stage for India, with West Indies reaching 135 without losing a wicket before he struck. Aakash Chopra subsequently pointed out that the spinner's display underlined his importance to India's ODI plans, particularly with the 2027 World Cup approaching.
Kuldeep Yadav bags 12th 4-fer in ODI cricket
Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 4/40 in 10 overs, including one maiden, as India restricted West Indies to 295/7 after the hosts had been in a strong position early in their innings. He broke the opening partnership by dismissing John Campbell for 62 in the 20th over.
The spinner then removed captain Shai Hope for 12 before getting the crucial wicket of Justin Greaves, who had scored 101 from 108 balls. Kuldeep completed his four-wicket haul with the dismissal of Jewel Andrew for a golden duck on the very next delivery.
His spell took him to 12 four-wicket hauls in ODI cricket. Only Mohammed Shami, with 16, has taken more four-wicket hauls for India in the format. Kuldeep is now level with Ajit Agarkar, who also took 12 four-fers during his ODI career.
It was a reminder and also a validation that you need to play Kuldeep Yadav - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra credited Kuldeep with providing India with the breakthrough they needed when West Indies were comfortably placed.
According to the former India cricketer, the wrist-spinner's ability to create opportunities made the difference in a game where the batting conditions were favourable.
"It was a reminder and also a validation that you need to play Kuldeep Yadav. This game could have gone in a very different direction because they [West Indies] were 135 without loss. These were good batting conditions. You needed a piece of magic. You needed somebody who could create something out of nothing and that can only happen if you have the skills and only wrist spinners can do something of that nature," Aakash Chopra said on Cricinfo.
India hasn't been too kind to Kuldeep Yadav - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also highlighted Kuldeep's inconsistent place in India's playing XI over the years. The spinner has often been among the players considered for rotation when India have multiple bowling options available.
He suggested that Kuldeep's place could again have been under pressure had Harshit Rana been available, while Axar Patel would also add to India's selection options. However, Aakash Chopra believes the four-wicket haul should reinforce Kuldeep Yadav's value ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"India hasn't been too kind to Kuldeep Yadav. He is the first man to be left out whenever we see a change.
"In fact, God knows, if Harshit [Rana] was available, if this was a full-strength India side with Axar [Patel] in the mix, Kuldeep may have still warmed the bench. But him playing, picking up four wickets was just a reminder that not just in this game, think about 2027, think about the middle overs. Do not drop him. He, in my opinion, is indispensable to India's chances as regards to the World Cup," Chopra added.
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