Ravichandran Ashwin blasts India team management over Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion

Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed India’s team management for their **zero confidence** in Kuldeep Yadav after the left-arm wrist spinner was left out of the third ODI against England at Lord’s on **Sunday, July 20, 2025**.

What happened?

Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from India’s playing XI for the third ODI at Lord’s: despite Jasprit Bumrah’s absence: has reignited debate over his role under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since Gambhir took charge on **July 9, 2024**, India have played 104 international matches across formats, but Kuldeep has featured in just 38 of them.

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Kuldeep should stop waiting for chances that aren’t coming. “Kuldeep should not be playing at all. There’s no need at all,” he said. “This is a batsman’s world, which can never understand a bowler’s confidence and rhythm.”

Why it matters for Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin’s comments carry weight as a former India off-spinner and a vocal observer of team dynamics. He argued Kuldeep remains the **finest wrist spinner in world cricket**, comparing his record favorably to Adam Zampa. “Kuldeep has 170 wickets from 120 matches. He’s even better than Adam Zampa,” Ashwin said.

But the third ODI at Lord’s changed his mind. “Before yesterday, I used to say Kuldeep should stay with the kit bag and improve his batting. But after yesterday, a lot of things changed,” Ashwin said. “In this team, where you don’t need batting at No. 8: you went with bowling strength: and even then, after Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, you’re still not taking Kuldeep Yadav.”

What comes next?

Ashwin questioned Kuldeep’s future if he can’t secure a spot even when conditions favor his inclusion. “After we left, where is his chance? He has to be the number one now. But the confidence being shown in him: there’s none,” he said.

He also acknowledged dressing rooms naturally favor certain players but called Kuldeep’s situation “bizarre.” “I know everyone has their favourites. It’s impossible to treat everyone equally. But this is a case that’s very bizarre,” Ashwin said.

Kuldeep last represented India in the **second ODI at The Oval on July 17, 2025**, finishing with 1/57 in nine overs. His omission in the third ODI: a 104-run win for England: has left many wondering if his India career is nearing its end.