Former Indian cricketer Ravi Ashwin has lashed out at the Indian team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, for not including the veteran wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav on a flat wicket in Hyderabad.
While Kuldeep picked up two wickets in the first T20I, he couldn’t live up to the expectations in the second T20I, returning with figures of 0/53 runs in his four-over spell as the West Indies chased down the 250-run target in Ranchi. Later, he was axed for the third and fourth T20Is.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin observed that opposition batters have struggled to read Kuldeep’s googly and leg-spin. He also questioned the team management’s decision, criticising the lack of common sense and describing the move as surprising.
“It is very surprising because, on a ground where you expect to get some bounce, I know it has not always been a happy hunting ground for spinners, but the West Indies batters are struggling to pick his googly and leg-spin. So, if you are leaving Kuldeep out against them, it lacks a bit of common sense. It is very surprising because I think his presence could have made a difference of 15-20 runs,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“I was surprised. Kuldeep was not picked in Indore, and I would still endorse that decision because I can understand that the ground is small. But you are almost making an issue out of it by suggesting that India’s loss in Ranchi was because of Kuldeep. That, in itself, is wrong,” he added.
In the fourth T20I, the West Indies posted a formidable 247/3 in their 20 overs, powered by Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off just 50 deliveries. His explosive knock featured four fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 204.
In reply, India were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, falling short despite useful contributions from Sanju Samson (56), Tilak Varma (43) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41). Keemo Paul starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul to seal the victory for the West Indies.
