Will Kuldeep Yadav enter India's playing XI for 2nd ODI vs AUS? Statistical analysis explains

Kuldeep Yadav in action [Source: AFP]

After losing the first ODI in Perth by a convincing margin, India are gearing up to take on Australia in the do-or-die second game at Adelaide Oval. Led by Shubman Gill, India had a torrid start to the tour, suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat from the Australians at Perth Stadium. While the likes of Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma flopped with the bat, the Indian bowlers managed only three wickets before Australia went past the finish line. 

Red-hot form demands Kuldeep's inclusion in IND XI for 2nd ODI vs Australia

In a bold move, India excluded their premier spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, from the playing XI in first ODI. Kuldeep, who has 181 wickets in 113 ODIs, has showcased remarkable form of late. After scalping 17 wickets in just seven matches in the Asia Cup, Kuldeep had a memorable home series against the West Indies, bagging twelve wickets in two Tests. 

So, his recent form and ability to bamboozle the batters with his variations definitely vouch for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's playing XI. But will India bring the left-arm wrist spinner back into the side? Let's analyse several factors to find the answer. 

Kuldeep Yadav's record in Australia and Adelaide Oval

• As evidenced by the above stats, Kuldeep Yadav doesn't have a great record in ODIs on Australian soil. He has managed only three wickets in Australia at a miserable average and strike rate, while conceding runs at an economy of 5.90. Meanwhile, the left-arm wrist-spinner has played only one match at Adelaide Oval, failing to scalp a wicket for 66 runs in his ten-over spell. 
• These numbers signify that Kuldeep Yadav has been ordinary as an ODI bowler in Australia. So, purely based on stats, he doesn't claim a place in the Indian ODI side for the second match at Adelaide Oval. 

How spinners have performed in Adelaide Oval

(Pacers and Spinners' ODI record at Adelaide Oval)

• The spinners have been comparatively less successful than the fast bowlers in ODIs at Adelaide Oval. While the pacers have struck in around 40 deliveries, the spinners have taken almost 50 balls to take a wicket at this venue. 
• Additionally, the seamers have conceded fewer runs than the spinners at this venue. So, the fact that the spinners haven't had that much success in Adelaide rules out the possibility of Kuldeep's ODI comeback for the second match. 

Conclusion: Kuldeep Yadav over Washington Sundar; is it possible?

If Kuldeep Yadav returns, he will most probably replace Washington Sundar, with Axar Patel likely to retain his place as the first-choice all-rounder. Considering India had a batting collapse in the first ODI, the Men in Blue will likely prefer batting depth over a specialist spinner; so, the chances of India persisting with Sundar are more than Kuldeep Yadav's comeback. Also, given that he doesn't have a great record in Australia and at Adelaide Oval, it's unlikely that Kuldeep will be brought back for the second ODI. 

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