Ex-India Cricketer Criticizes Management for Kuldeep Yadav's Treatment Amid Concerns Over Ashwin and Jadeja

The recent Test series defeat to New Zealand has raised alarms within Indian cricket, particularly regarding the team's spin bowling strategy and the treatment of Kuldeep Yadav. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his disappointment with how Kuldeep has been handled, especially in light of the ageing Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's underwhelming performances.

In the first two Tests of the series, India's batting lineup struggled significantly against New Zealand's spinners, particularly on the spin-friendly track in Pune. While Ashwin managed five wickets and Jadeja took three, their contributions paled in comparison to Washington Sundar, who claimed ten wickets in the match. The standout performance came from New Zealand's Mitchell Santner, who dismantled the Indian batting order with a remarkable 13 wickets.

Chopra emphasized that the defeat—the first for India at home in a decade—signals a critical need for introspection and planning for the future. He noted that while the spin department has traditionally been a strength, the recent performances suggest a concerning trend.

“Spin is our strength, but are we executing it well? That’s a major question,” Chopra remarked in a recent YouTube discussion. “Washington Sundar changed the game with his impressive bowling, while Ashwin and Jadeja struggled.”

Chopra also pointed out the implications of Ashwin and Jadeja's age on their performance. He believes the time for a transition may be approaching as the two spinners are entering the twilight of their careers. “While Ashwin was the Player of the Series recently, concerns will arise about their future roles if they continue underperforming. They are ageing spinners, and it’s time to consider the next generation,” he added.

Despite recognizing the emergence of Sundar, Chopra criticized the management for not adequately preparing Kuldeep Yadav, who was omitted from India's squad for the Pune Test. “In such a scenario, India is missing a trick. You need to start grooming younger players. Kuldeep has proven to be a potent wrist-spinner who could thrive against modern batters,” he said.

Chopra questioned the decision to manage Kuldeep’s injury while still including him in the squad for the upcoming Test in Mumbai. “You are not preparing Kuldeep, and he is exactly the type of player needed against batters who struggle against wrist spin. By sidelining him, we are not being honest about his potential. He should have been given more opportunities to shine,” he concluded.

As India grapples with these concerns, the management's approach to transitioning its spin department and nurturing emerging talents like Kuldeep Yadav will be critical in restoring the team's competitive edge in Test cricket.