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Former batter Mohammad Kaif reacted strongly after Kuldeep Yadav was left out of India's playing XI for the third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.
Taking to X after India's team selection, the former India batter suggested the left-arm wrist-spinner could even be thinking about his international future, questioning why he continued to warm the bench despite multiple changes to the XI and injuries in the squad.
Kuldeep Yadav warms bench in all three ODIs vs England
Kuldeep Yadav did not feature in a single match during India's three-match ODI series against England despite arriving in the UK as one of the team's frontline spin options.
The left-arm wrist-spinner remained on the sidelines throughout the series as the Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, consistently preferred an all-rounder-heavy combination. Even in the series decider at Lord's, where India were without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav failed to find a place in the playing XI.
Instead of handing Kuldeep Yadav an ODI XI recall, India drafted in left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and uncapped fast bowler Prince Yadav, while Axar Patel remained the lone frontline spinner. Shivam Dube also made way for KL Rahul in the final ODI.
The decision surprised many because Kuldeep Yadav has been one of India's most successful ODI bowlers in recent years. Across 121 ODIs, he has picked up 194 wickets at an impressive average of 27.04 and an economy rate of 5.07, with best figures of 6/25. He has registered nine four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls in the format.
Against England, Kuldeep has claimed 14 wickets in nine ODIs at an average of 34.78, including career-best figures of 6/25. In English conditions, he has played 10 ODIs, taking 15 wickets at an average of 32.33, showing that he has previously enjoyed success in the country. Despite those numbers and the absence of key players, the left-arm wrist-spinner was forced to watch all three matches from the dugout as England went on to clinch the series 2-1.
Mohammad Kaif questions Kuldeep Yadav's future after Lord's ODI snub
Mohammad Kaif was among the first former cricketers to question India's selection call after the playing XI for the Lord's ODI was announced. The former India batter felt Kuldeep Yadav had every reason to feel frustrated after being overlooked despite the absence of several first-choice players. He wrote on X:
"Kuldeep Yadav should be thinking of packing his bags and saying goodbye to international cricket. Today, there was no Bumrah, no Washington, no Varun, but Kuldeep still didn't find a place in the 11. India's bowling attack at Lord's is one dimensional and lacks variety. A left-arm wrist spinner would have come handy. Remember he has 194 wickets in 118 ODIs. It seems these numbers don't matter."
Kuldeep Yadav should be thinking of packing his bags and saying goodbye to international cricket. Today there was no Bumrah, no Washington, no Varun but Kuldeep still didn't find a place in 11. India's bowling attack at Lord's is one dimensional and lacks variety. A left-arm…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 19, 2026
"The only defense for not playing Kuldeep usually is that the batting finishes at number 7" - Ravichandran Ashwin
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also expressed sympathy for Kuldeep after the spinner was ignored for the third consecutive ODI despite India's altered team combination.
Ashwin pointed out that India's usual justification for leaving Kuldeep out did not appear convincing in the Lord's ODI, especially after Arshdeep Singh was picked in the XI and batted at No. 8. He posted on X:
"The only defense for not playing Kuldeep usually is that the batting finishes at number 7, wonder how it feels to have Arshdeep at number 8 today! Adding Bumrah's absence to that, one can only feel bad for Kuldeep. Trust me, this can affect the rythm and confidence of a bowler.#INDVENG"
The only defense for not playing Kuldeep usually is that the batting finishes at number 7, wonder how it feels to have Arshdeep at number 8 today!
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 19, 2026
Adding Bumrah’s absence to that, one can only feel bad for Kuldeep.
Trust me, this can affect the rythm and confidence of a…
