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R Ashwin questions IND's ODI selection after Kuldeep's snub: “Kitne all-rounders chaiye?”

Rajgeeta Yadav

R Ashwin slams ODI selection [Source: AFP and @CricCrazyJohns/X.com] R Ashwin slams ODI selection [Source: AFP and @CricCrazyJohns/X.com] 

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised the team management for leaving out in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the first ODI against Australia in Perth. India’s decision to play three all-rounders, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, instead of Kuldeep did not sit well with Ashwin or many fans, especially after India lost the match by seven wickets.

Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has been India’s best bowler in recent months. The 30-year-old spinner took 17 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 and 12 wickets in two Tests against the West Indies. 

Despite such strong performances, he was not picked for the first ODI, where India’s bowlers struggled to take wickets. The three pacers, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, managed to get only three Australia wickets, which raised questions about the team’s balance.

Ashwin raises concerns over India’s ODI strategy

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that India need to pay more attention to the bowling attack instead of focusing too much on batting depth. 

“I can understand why there are two spinners playing in the team, along with Nitish Reddy. They want that batting depth, because Axar and Washington can bat, but bowling ke upar bhi thoda dhayan dedo yaar. In these big grounds, if Kuldeep can’t bowl with a lot of freedom, then where will he play? And there will be overspin, which will get him more bounce," Ashwin said.

“See, I understand that they will talk about this batting depth, but if that is going to help you win games, then batters should be able to take the responsibility. If they are playing extra batters, then they are again shielding the batting line-up. I will always say, play your best bowlers. Don’t pick a player only because you want to extend your batting. Kitne all-rounders chaiye aapko ? You already have three. Even after having Nitish in the side, if you can’t play your best bowlers, then I can’t get it at all," he added.

The veteran spinner also warned that dropping a player like Kuldeep despite his top form could hurt his confidence.

“I feel when a player gets dropped, he or she questions themselves: “Am I the reason the team will lose?" Kuldeep might have the same question in mind. If, after such good performances, he gets dropped and someone else gets a chance, he might be thinking he is the problem in the team."

Notably, Kuldeep’s record against Australia has been impressive, having taken 31 wickets in 23 ODIs, which proves his value. After losing the first ODI, India will play their second match, and it will be worth watching whether Kuldeep returns to the playing XI as India aim to bounce back and level the series in Adelaide.