India’s left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from playing XI for Perth ODI drew ire of former cricketers. Kuldeep’s former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin wondered why do India so many all-rounders and ignore an in-form wrist spinner. The extra pacer Harshit Rana did not fare with the ball and extending the batting lineup with Washington Sundar did not help either. Ahead of the second ODI, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was asked whey Kuldeep was not picked in the side for the series opener. Kotak said that the selection was done as per team's balance.
"It depends on the wicket and the team balance. The captain, head coach and others decide purely based on the balance of the team rather than any individual," Kotak told the reporters in Adelaide.
Kuldeep’s recent form and ODI record against Australia
Kuldeep has been in fine form of late. He picked up 12 wickets from two Tests against West Indies at an average of 19.50, featuring one five-wicket haul. The 30-year-old spinner has a decent record against Australia. From 23 ODIs, he has 31 wickets at an average of 39.74.
The last time he played against Australia was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 where he remained wicketless and conceded 44 runs from eight overs. His last ODI appearance on Australian soil was in 2020. He has three wickets from as many ODIs in Australia. Also, India’s previous clash in Adelaide was in 2019 where Kuldeep conceded 66 runs and couldn’t manage to get a wicket.
Rana's place under scrutiny
Rana’s selection for the Australia tour was criticised by many. Rana was unimpressive in Perth ODI. The last time he played in Adelaide was in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. In the pink-ball Test, he remained wicketless despite much help for the pacers. It is yet to be seen whether India go with a third pace-bowling option or bank on the wrist spinner. The other pacer in the side is Prasidh Krishna.
Rana is yet to showcase his talent with the bat as well. Many have wondered why India extend their batting lineup if they are looking to test the 23-year-old’s batting ability as well.