Ashwin Criticizes Gambhir’s Preference for Extra Batters
Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion from Perth ODI Angers Ashwin, Frustration Aimed at Gautam Gambhir.
Despite delivering a match-winning spell in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand and ending as the top wicket-taker in India’s T20 Asia Cup triumph last month - followed by a Player of the Match show in the Delhi Test versus West Indies - Kuldeep Yadav was surprisingly dropped from India’s playing XI for the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The decision left veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin frustrated, as he criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for prioritizing extra all-rounders just to strengthen the batting lineup.
Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin advised Gautam Gambhir to move away from his fixed team selection approach and give equal attention to the bowling unit. The former India star, who retired from international cricket last December, said he couldn’t understand the logic behind leaving out Kuldeep Yadav for the series opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium - a venue where the large boundaries and extra bounce would have ideally suited the spinner.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion Sparks Concerns Over Team Balance
“I understand why the team included two spinners along with Nitish Reddy - they’re clearly looking for batting depth since both Axar and Washington can contribute with the bat. But please, give some attention to the bowling as well,” Ashwin said. “On big grounds like these, if Kuldeep can’t bowl freely here, then where else will he? The surface offers overspin and extra bounce - conditions that actually suit him perfectly.”
Ashwin, clearly frustrated, expressed his disbelief at Gambhir’s constant preference for extra batters. He emphasized that Kuldeep Yadav, being one of India’s best bowlers in the current squad, deserves to be in the playing XI every time.
Veteran Spinner Warns of Mental Impact on Kuldeep
“I get it - they’ll say it’s all about batting depth,” Ashwin remarked. “But if that’s what’s helping you win, then the batters should take responsibility. Playing extra batters only means you’re protecting the lineup instead of trusting it. I’ve always said - pick your best bowlers, not just players who can bat a bit. How many all-rounders do you actually need? You already have three. And if even with Nitish in the team you can’t include your best bowlers, I just don’t understand it.”
Ashwin also cautioned Gambhir that repeatedly leaving out Kuldeep Yadav could make the spinner doubt his own importance in the team, possibly leading to a serious mental battle that could affect his confidence and performance.
“I feel that when a player is dropped, they start questioning themselves: ‘Am I the reason the team will lose?’ Kuldeep might be thinking the same. After performing so well, if he’s left out and someone else gets a chance, he could feel like he’s the problem in the team. Whether that’s true or not is another matter, but it creates a lot of internal conflict. It can be very crushing, and not many players can handle it. The team management should maintain direct communication with him,” Ashwin said.