Kuldeep Yadav was dropped from the T20I XI after conceding 1-53. The left‑arm wrist spinner’s last outing in Ranchi left him with an expensive over that the selectors couldn’t ignore.
Ashwin slammed the decision, calling it ‘unfair’ and reminding everyone of Yadav’s past glory. ‘Kuldeep has produced results over the years,’ the veteran spin legend said.
Yadav’s 3.17 average in the last 12 series and 30 wickets at 23.9 in 2023‑24 show he’s still a threat. But after a shaky spell in the West Indies, the selectors are wary.
With Hardik Pandya out and Varun Chakravarthy a possible front‑line option, Ashwin fears India might favour batting depth over spin. He warned that a four‑seamer line‑up could dilute the attack.
India now must decide whether to bring Yadav back or go all‑seamer for the New Zealand series. The first T20I kicks off on October 22 at Eden Park.