‘Absolutely zero confidence’: Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and team management over Kuldeep Yadav’s behavior

India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Kuldeep Yadav (AP Photo) Kuldeep Yadav’s continued absence from India’s playing eleven has drawn fresh criticism after he was overlooked by the left arm throughout the ODI series against England, prompting former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to question the team management’s faith in him. The spinner once again missed the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday even as Jasprit Bumrah was unavailable. His omission further fueled the debate about his role under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since Gambhir took charge on 9 July 2024, India have played 104 international matches across formats, but Kuldeep has featured in only 38 of them. The lack of opportunities has left Ashwin convinced that the spinner is no longer part of the team’s plans. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Kuldeep should stop waiting for chances that don’t seem to be there. “Kuldeep shouldn’t be playing at all, there’s no need at all. This is a batsman’s world that can never understand the confidence and rhythm of bowlers. I’m a big Indian cricket fan – I always think about Indian cricket. Even when the IPL is going on, I keep thinking, ‘What can this do for Indian cricket?’ Kuldeep is at the stage where he will play till 35 or 36 years. He has a good contract; recently went to the IPL store – should have packed his bags and come. As Mohammad Kaif said, what’s the point?” Ashwin also endorsed Kuldeep’s quality, describing him as the best arm spinner in world cricket and arguing that his record compares favorably with some of the leading white-ball spinners around the world. “Kuldeep has picked up about 170 wickets from 120 matches. If you look at the wrist spinners around the world, he is even better than Adam Zampa. We consider Adam Zampa one of the better white-ball spinners. He is ahead of all,” he said. The former India spinner admitted that he used to believe that Kuldeep should stay in the team and continue to improve his batting while he waits for opportunities. However, India’s team selection at Lord’s has completely changed his outlook. “Before yesterday I said – Kuldeep should stay there with the kit bag and try to improve his batting. But after yesterday (third ODI) a lot of things changed… In this team where you don’t need batting at number 8 – you went with bowling power – and even then, with Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, you still don’t take Kuldeep’Yadav’s lead to zero. That means Kuldeep’yadav’s lead is absolutely zero.” he does not trust Kuldeep Yadav at all,” he said. Ashwin questioned what lies ahead for Kuldeep if he fails to secure a place even though the conditions seem to favor his inclusion. “Once we’ve left, where’s his chance? He’s got to be number one now. But the confidence he’s showing – none. What’s the point of Kuldeep continuing? What’s the way forward for him?” Ashwin asked. He also suggested that each dressing room would naturally develop preferred players, but felt that Kuldeep’s situation had become unusually difficult. “I know everyone has their favorites. It’s impossible for someone to come and say, ‘I’m going to treat everyone the same.’ Without realizing it, you will have your favorites. That will be there, but this is a case that is very bizarre. Yesterday was a big blow for Kuldeep.” Kuldeep last represented India during the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June where he featured in just one of the three matches. He endured a disappointing ODI series against New Zealand earlier this year and made just one appearance during India’s T20 World Cup campaign.