‘Literally defies logic’: Former cricketer questions India’s selection challenges under Shubman Gill

India’s Kuldeep Yadav with Rohit Sharma (ANI Photo) Former India spinner Murali Kartik has questioned the team’s selection strategy after Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav were left out of the playing eleven for the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday.India’s combination for the series opener has raised eyebrows with Axar Patel and Naman Dhir as spin-bowling options. Meanwhile, Kuldeep continued to warm the bench after missing the entire previous five-match T20I series.Siraj’s absence was another decision that did not sit well with Karthik as he struggled to understand the reasons behind leaving out established players and retaining others despite their recent performances.The former spinner also questioned the team’s approach to Nitish Kumar Reddy. He pointed out that India had picked the all-rounder for the match but had not included him in the playing eleven, despite their stated intention to groom him for a bigger role.Kartik was particularly critical of the bowling selection, referring to Gurnoor Brar’s expensive outings and questioning why Mohammed Siraj was dropped.“I’m literally defying logic. I’m trying to figure out what, because what is it? Gurnoor has gone for 96 or 97 runs twice now,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz.“Aaqib Nabi has done really well in Ranji Trophy cricket and why are you getting rid of Mohammed Siraj from the playing XI? What did he do wrong? You are trying to bring up Nitish Kumar Reddy as another all-rounder and you picked him only for this game but he is not there,” he added.

Kartik questions the continued neglect of Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep’s prolonged absence from the playing eleven was another big problem for Kartik. The wrist-spinner was part of all three team selections during the New Zealand tour but was again sidelined for the opening ODI.Kartík also questioned whether the dimensions of Eden Park had any bearing on the decision to leave out the veteran spinner. He argued that the New Zealand ground should not be compared to places like Melbourne or Adelaide when judging a spinner’s suitability.Apart from tactical considerations, the former India player highlighted the possible psychological impact of being repeatedly overlooked despite being part of the team.He suggested that such uncertainty could leave players wondering what more is needed to secure a regular spot in the team.“Kuldeep Yadav, what does that have to do with the size of the boundary? New Zealand is not Melbourne or Adelaide. He is the common denominator; he is in all three teams. Whether you are a pace bowler or not, just mentally you are always thinking about what needs to be done to find a regular place in all three teams,” Kartik said.Meanwhile, New Zealand were bowled out for 185, with a late 39-run for the last wicket helping them avoid an even bigger disappointment.