Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion was the main reason behind the Shubman Gill-led side's defeat against Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. After defeating India in the second ODI, Australia takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Mohammed Kaif for India's playing XI
India who benched Kuldeep Yadav in the first ODI, featured with the second ODI with same playing XI. However, Australia featured with Adam Zampa, who won the player of the match, picking 4-60.
"If Kuldeep was in the team, I guarantee you 100 per cent that India would have won this game. When Zampa can come in and change the game by dismissing some big names, when there was grip and turn from the surface, then think what Kuldeep could have done against this inexperienced Australian middle order. This is a do-or-die match, you are not playing him, and Zampa, who was not even there in the last match, returned and took the man of the match. Kuldeep Yadav is a thousand times better bowler than Adam Zampa," Kaif opined.
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Kuldeep Yadav's last outing
Notably, Kuldeep Yadav is in the form of his life. The Uttar Pradesh spinner's last outing came in a two-Test match series against the West Indies, where he was the highest wicket-taker. Kuldeep's last white call outing came in the Asia Cup 2025, where he played a crucial role in India's title win. Kuldeep was the highest-wicket-taker of the tournament with 17 scalps.
The third ODI between India and Australia will take place on October 25 at Sydney Cricket Stadium in Sydney, and there are chances that the veteran spinner will be seen rolling arms in the final assignment against Australia.
On the other hand, Australia have also added two uncapped players in their squad before the third rubber-dead clash. CA announced that the Blues captain, Edwards and Tasmania spinner Matt Kuhnemann will join the Australia ODI squad