‘Can’t believe he’s not their first choice’: Former Australian captain slams management for substituting Kuldeep Yadav

India’s Kuldeep Yadav and captain Shreyas Iyer (ANI Photo) India’s decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of their playing XI for the last two T20Is against the West Indies raised eyebrows as former Australia captain Michael Clarke questioned the team management’s reluctance to make the arm spinner a first-choice option. Clarke believes Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability makes him an invaluable asset, especially in a format where teams often prioritize runs over dismissing opposition batsmen.The debate comes after India’s bowling attack struggled to contain Shai Hope and his men in the fourth T20I, with West Indies romping their way to a formidable 247/3. India faced a daunting chase and spent most of their innings trying to keep up with the required run rate rather than dictating the conditions.Kuldeep, who returned figures of 2/33 in the series opener, was left out of the playing eleven after an expensive outing in Ranchi where he conceded 53 runs for one wicket as West Indies chased a record target of 250. India instead opted for the all-rounder Naman Dhir as their second spin option alongside Axar Patel, preferring a pace-heavy combination.

“I can’t believe this isn’t their first class spinning mill”

In his Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke questioned the decision to drop Kuldeep, stressing that teams should focus on wickets rather than simply allowing the opposition batsmen to accumulate runs.“I’ve been very clear about Kuldeep Yadav a couple of times. I can’t believe he’s not their first choice. He’s a wicketkeeper and it doesn’t matter the format; you try to throw the opposition out. Too many captains play by the rules of the game in T20s and ODIs. They just say Let the opposition do whatever they do,” Clarchchase told the opposition rather than looking at the opposition.

Naman Dhir delivers but Kuldeep’s absence sparks debate

While Clarke questioned India’s selection strategy, Naman was a useful asset with the ball in the series. The all-rounder has taken five wickets in four matches at an average of 22.80, giving the team another option in the spin department.However, Kuldeep’s experience and ability to break partnerships remain significant factors. The left-arm wrist spinner enjoyed a productive run with the white ball against the West Indies, taking 10 wickets in five matches, including seven in three ODIs, with four wickets.

Kuldeep Yadav’s T20I numbers

Kuldeep has established himself as one of India’s most efficient wicket-spinners in T20 internationals. In 56 T20Is, he took 98 wickets at an average of 14.20 and an economy rate of 7.10. His tally includes three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls with best figures of 5/17.However, his numbers in 2026 were less dominant. In six T20Is this year, Kuldeep has taken eight wickets at an average of 25.75 and an economy rate of 9.36, with best figures of 2/33.