Kuldeep Yadav's fate in T20 World Cup sealed by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid ahead of the Super 8 clash vs Afghanistan

Indian cricket team management is currently facing a challenging decision about how and whether to include left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the West Indies leg of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

As India prepares for their first T20 World Cup 2024 Super-8 game against Afghanistan at Kensington Oval on June 20, the temptation to include Kuldeep in the lineup is strong, as the Chinese bowler has not yet gotten a match despite arriving at the tournament in stellar form.

India contemplates Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion for T20 World Cup 2024 Super-8 match against Afghanistan

Well, Kuldeep was seen bowling long spells alongside fellow spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during both practice sessions at the Kensington Oval. Both spinners managed to get significant turns on the practice pitches, suggesting that the conditions might favor spin when the Super-8 match between India and Afghanistan takes place on Thursday in Barbados.

If the match pitch offers similar assistance as during the net sessions, Kuldeep could be a vital asset for the Men in Blue against the Afghanistan team. According to a PTI report, Kuldeep had an extended bowling session on Tuesday, similar to the one he had on Monday in Barbados. The report also hinted at Kuldeep’s inclusion in the playing XI against Afghanistan.

He bowled against Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, who practiced their slog sweep against him. Under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid, Kuldeep also bowled to Rohit with an imaginary field setup, troubling the Indian opener early in the session.

The left-arm spinner dismissed both Rohit and Kohli during his practice session, with the Indian skipper misjudging a ball and lobbing it back to Kuldeep, while Kohli's aggressive slash outside the off-stump would have resulted in a catch in the covers.

Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh will have to sit out for Kuldeep Yadav

Meanwhile, Kuldeep’s entry into the playing XI means breaking Team India’s current winning combination, and they would be hesitant to drop any of their four all-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jadeja, and Axar Patel.

Well, the most likely scenario for Kuldeep's inclusion in the playing XI would be leaving out a fast bowler, either Arshdeep Singh or Mohammed Siraj.

With the calm breeze blowing across the Kensington Oval, which could offer plenty to the spinners after the pacers swing the ball in the powerplay, it makes a strong case for Kuldeep to replace Siraj in the playing XI for the India vs Afghanistan game.

It would be interesting to see whether the Indian team management takes this gamble for their first Super-8 game in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, but the final decision is expected to be made on the match day itself on Thursday.

Sources reveal Kensington Oval will offer turn

An insider who has a fair knowledge of the Kensington Oval conditions told TOI: “Ideally, India should go in with three pacers and three spinners, but it's to be seen whether they are ready to take the gamble.”

On the other hand, a former international player who was present at the Kensington Oval told PTI: “The pitch should turn in the middle as well; it may not be as much as it is doing in the nets, but it will definitely turn. The spinners have proved quite useful throughout the Caribbean thus far. I don't think India will make any changes; they would not want to compromise on their batting.”