New Delhi: Ahead of the second ODI between India and Australia, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested several ways for the team management to include left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.
Kuldeep, who has featured in 113 ODIs and taken 181 wickets at an average of 26.7, was left out of the first match in Perth. The spinner has an impressive record against Australia, having bagged 31 wickets in 23 ODIs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan proposed that India could either bring Kuldeep in place of Washington Sundar or rest one of the pacers — Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, or Harshit Rana — to achieve a better balance between batting and bowling.
“According to me, India have three options to fit in Kuldeep Yadav. He can replace Washington Sundar, or one of the three fast bowlers—Siraj, Arshdeep, or Rana—can be rested. This way, India still retain batting depth with Sundar at No. 8 and Reddy as the third seamer. Whatever option they choose, Kuldeep should be part of the XI,” Pathan said.
Backing the spinner as an “attacking option”, Pathan emphasized that Kuldeep could make an impact even on surfaces like Perth.
He also noted that India’s decision to avoid playing five frontline bowlers in the series opener was influenced by the return of senior batters Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer after a long layoff.
“Kuldeep is an attacking bowler. We saw even in Perth that spinners can take wickets there. India didn’t go with five main bowlers because Kohli, Rohit, and Iyer were returning after several months,” he explained.
India will now face Australia in a must-win second ODI on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval, aiming to level the series 1–1, while the hosts will look to clinch the series.
