Kuldeep Yadav to be dropped for Australia clash? Ex-India head coach makes huge statement

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in India's last Super 8 match against Australia for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs of an innings. Kuldeep has the skills and variations which make him a lethal option in India's bowling line-up.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Kuldeep didn't get a chance to play in the group stages due to the conditions being highly favorable to fast bowling. But he was straight away included in the Playing XI as soon as the action moved to the spin-friendly West Indies.

He has played both the games in the Super 8 stage against Afghanistan and Bangladesh and has already created an impression. Kuldeep has picked up 5 wickets in two matches so far at an average of 10.20 and an economy rate of 6.37.

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Ravi Shastri backs Kuldeep Yadav's attacking ability

While speaking to ICC, Ravi Shastri was asked about India's combination for the game against Australia and whether India will keep on preferring Kuldeep Yadav over fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.

"I would think so. In the West Indies, definitely. You need that spinner because his role is not just to contain but to take wickets in those middle overs as he did today, as he did in the game against Afghanistan. So his role becomes extremely important," Shastri replied.

"You can't have all defense in the middle overs of the innings. You need someone who can get you wickets," the former India allrounder added.

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Kuldeep Yadav will have play a key role in the ongoing T20 World Cup if India aim to lift the title. The pitches in the upcoming games are likely to favor spin bowling, which makes Kuldeep an important player for India.

Other spinners in India's squad

Alongside Kuldeep, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the other two spinners who are likely to be in the Playing XI. Both Axar and Jadeja can bowl good lines and lengths and keep the run rate in check.

The other spinner in India's squad is Yuzvendra Chahal but India are unlikely to play him unless the conditions are really helpful for spin bowling.

For a long time now, Kuldeep Yadav has been India's first-choice spinner in the white-ball formats. He has been continuously doing well and has been instrumental in getting wickets in the middle overs.

Even in the ODI World Cup played last year, Kuldeep played a vital role in India's path to the final and picked up 15 wickets in 11 matches of the tournament.

Talking about India's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, they are the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far along with South Africa. While Indian bowlers have been excellent, the batters are yet to join the party.

The low scores of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma haven't affected the result so far but India will hope for their star batters to return to form soon. Both looked in good touch against Bangladesh in the previous game and will be aiming for a big score this time.