Ravichandran Ashwin's selection over Kuldeep Yadav questioned openly by Gautam Gambhir's teammate

Aakash Chopra pointed out the troubling holes in India's spin attack following the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune. India suffered a crushing defeat in the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand, having lost the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune, where the hosts failed to make any impact with both bat and ball.

Chopra acknowledged that Washington Sundar’s performance was a bright spot in the Pune Test against New Zealand, but he felt that the other spinners, particularly Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, failed to meet the expectations, hinting at a looming transition in India's spin department.

Aakash Chopra blasts India’s spin approach against New Zealand

Aakash Chopra said in his latest video on his YouTube channel: “You believe spin is our strength. However, are we bowling spin well? That is another big question because we were outbowled. Of course, Washington Sundar changed the game totally. He bowled a few overs and picked up a lot of wickets. You say 'brilliant' when you see his performance.”

The former Indian batter said that the team’s spin attack is beginning to show signs of wear, raising questions about the future of spin bowling in the Indian cricket team.

However, Chopra mentioned that Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent form has been commendable, but the demands of international cricket might soon require a fresh approach, especially since he and Jadeja are now aging spinners.

Aakash Chopra slams aging spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as Indian cricket team falls to New Zealand

Chopra further explained, “However, if Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are playing together and don't do that well, you start feeling, although Ravichandran Ashwin was the Player of the Series recently. He works his way out. However, the question is going to come very soon that there will be a transition for them as well. They are the aging spinners.”

Aakash Chopra further predicted that a transitional phase could soon be on the horizon, hinting that India should start looking beyond the seniors, especially Ravichandran Ashwin, to groom the next generation of spinners for the future.

Sundar’s rise might be a step in this direction, but Chopra believes there’s more to address if India wants to maintain its edge in spin bowling.

You need to start grooming: Aakash Chopra

He noted, “In such a scenario, I feel India is missing a trick. Ashwin will go first because he is more aged. Jadeja is fitter and younger as well. So, he will stay for longer. You need to start grooming. You started giving a chance to Washington Sundar now, but you didn't do the right thing with Kuldeep.”

Actually, the cricket pandit was not really happy with Kuldeep Yadav’s ongoing sidelining from the Indian cricket team due to Ravichandran Ashwin. Kuldeep Yadav didn’t get the chance in the Pune Test against New Zealand, and the wrist spinner was not also picked for the Australia tour.

You didn't do the right thing with Kuldeep Yadav: Aakash Chopra

Despite being fit for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches for Mumbai, Kuldeep Yadav was overlooked for “injury management,” which baffled Chopra as he questioned the long-term strategy for wrist spin in the Indian cricket team.

He highlighted Kuldeep’s ability to trouble modern-day batters with his wrist-spin variations, which India must capitalize on to maintain its spin dominance.

Chopra signed off by saying, “You are not preparing Kuldeep, and he is that guy because modern-day batters surrender against such wrist spin. However, we are not playing him. We are not being honest with him in a sense. He is being sent for injury management, although he is available for the Mumbai match.”