Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan openly questioned Team India’s decision to exclude left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the crucial second ODI against Australia at Adelaide. His remarks came after India’s series defeat, highlighting the pivotal role Kuldeep could have played to potentially alter the course of the match and the series.

Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Kuldeep Yadav was a must for this game. Things could have been different had he been there, but the onus is on batters to score more runs. Losing two wickets in the powerplay regularly won’t help the cause.” His comments reflected frustration at the lack of variety and penetration in India’s bowling attack against a strong Australian batting lineup.

India posted a total of 264 for 9, with notable contributions from Rohit Sharma (73), Shreyas Iyer (61), and Axar Patel (44). Yet, the bowling lacked a key dimension after Kuldeep’s omission. Adam Zampa exploited this vulnerability by taking four wickets, triggering a collapse that put India on the back foot.

Australia’s chase, though shaky early on at 54/2, was steadied by Matt Short (74), Cooper Connolly (61*), and Mitchell Owen (36). The young Australians capitalized on the absence of a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep, who historically has troubled Australian batters with his wicket-taking prowess.

Kuldeep’s exclusion also intensified the debate about India’s team balance and strategy. Despite his phenomenal recent form—17 wickets at an average of 9.29 during the Asia Cup, being India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy, and performing well in Tests—he was sidelined in both ODIs in Australia.

The pressure is now mounting on India’s leadership, especially captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, to reassess team composition ahead of the final ODI in Sydney. The series may be out of India’s hands, but finding the right mix, including potentially reintegrating Kuldeep Yadav, is crucial as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup and future international contests.