Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Kuldeep Yadav as India's Key Spinner for 2027 World Cup

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly questioned the team management’s handling of Kuldeep Yadav and has urged them to give the left-arm wrist spinner more opportunities in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin's comments come in the wake of India's recent six-wicket victory over England at Edgbaston, where the team opted for finger-spin bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar instead of Kuldeep Yadav, a decision that Ashwin believes could hinder India's chances in future tournaments.

Kuldeep Yadav, who made his international debut in 2017, has been a crucial part of India's bowling lineup, especially in limited-overs formats. His unique bowling style, characterized by his left-arm wrist spin, has made him a potent weapon against various batting lineups. However, his inconsistent selection and management have raised concerns among former players and analysts alike. In the match against England, Ashwin noted that with the current team combination, the inclusion of both finger-spinning all-rounders may not be optimal for the squad's balance heading into the 2027 World Cup. He emphasized that Kuldeep's presence could provide the necessary variety and depth to the bowling attack.

“In this Indian team, I will say this again. Both finger-spinning all-rounders will not fit into the combination for the 2027 World Cup. Whenever Kuldeep’s place is made, and Harshit Rana is fit and firing, Harshit Rana becomes the third seamer,” Ashwin explained. This statement reflects Ashwin's belief in the importance of Kuldeep's skill set, particularly in high-pressure situations where a match-winning performance is essential. Kuldeep has demonstrated his ability to perform in critical moments, and Ashwin's advocacy for him suggests a desire for more strategic planning from the team management.

Ashwin further elaborated on the significance of Kuldeep's role in the upcoming World Cup, stating, “Kuldeep should get more backing. In that World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling was very important. He is a match-winning spinner. He can bowl in any phase. He has a good record in South Africa.” This highlights not only Kuldeep's past achievements but also the potential he holds for future tournaments, especially considering the varied pitch conditions and opposition he may face in 2027.

Expressing further disappointment over how Kuldeep has been managed, Ashwin also said the need of the hour is to build Kuldeep’s confidence. “This management hasn’t backed Kuldeep enough. They should back him more because he is a match-winner.” Confidence is a crucial element for any athlete, particularly in cricket, where mental fortitude can often dictate performance. Ashwin's comments suggest that Kuldeep's sporadic appearances might have affected his confidence, making it imperative for the management to foster a supportive environment for him to thrive.

“If he has to get into the 2027 World Cup with the right mindset, they should keep giving him chances. He should be given a lot more confidence. I would love for India to play Kuldeep Yadav as the frontline spinner,” Ashwin added. This statement underscores the importance of consistent selection and trust from the coaching staff, which can help players like Kuldeep feel secure in their roles and enable them to perform at their best.

In the context of India's current team dynamics, injuries to key players like Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Hardik Pandya have led the management to explore alternatives, including auditioning Shivam Dube as a seam-bowling all-rounder. However, Ashwin cautioned against viewing Dube as a primary option for the 50-over format. “If Shivam Dube is a serious contender for the 2027 ODI World Cup, I think we are in a little bit of a spot of bother. My first-choice all-rounder will always be Hardik. Second choice, Nitish Kumar Reddy,” he remarked. This perspective emphasizes the need for a strong and reliable core in the team, particularly as they prepare for a major tournament like the World Cup.

Ashwin acknowledged Dube's contributions but maintained that he should be considered a last-resort option in the ODI format. “Whatever Shivam Dube did, I liked it. If Hardik is injured and Nitish is injured, then India should go to Shivam Dube. I liked the way they utilized him. He bowled six overs, which I really liked. He has bowled reasonably well. But he should be the last-choice all-rounder for ODI cricket,” he added. This statement reflects Ashwin's understanding of the dynamics of team selection and the importance of having a well-rounded squad that can perform consistently across different conditions and formats.

In addition to his comments on Kuldeep and Dube, Ashwin also praised the performance of India's captain, Shubman Gill, who top-scored with 80 runs against England before retiring hurt due to cramps. Ashwin noted Gill's impressive captaincy and his ability to make effective bowling changes, which are critical skills for a leader on the field. “A player’s confidence comes from where? He makes runs and finds himself in good places. And how does he bat? He has been batting phenomenally well. In the IPL as well. In the T20 squad, he hasn’t found a place yet,” Ashwin remarked, highlighting Gill's potential and current form as key factors in his leadership journey.

“I will not be tempted. Forget all that. But the way he is batting in T20, and the way he has captained the Gujarat Titans, and the way he has captained the Test team, I am really positive and hopeful of an authoritative captain in the 50-over format. The way he has captained and batted, I am very hopeful. Because India needs authority in the next generation of captains,” Ashwin stated. This optimism reflects a broader trend within Indian cricket, where the emergence of young leaders is seen as vital for the team's future success.

Ashwin's confidence in Gill also speaks to the importance of nurturing young talent within the Indian cricket system. “Shubman Gill’s batting has a lot of quality. He will handle it somehow. He has got a great journey ahead of him. There is no need to talk about overseas conditions in a white-ball format because Shubman Gill is not a spring chicken. He has played a lot of international cricket. He has been on tours of Australia, South Africa and England. He did great batting in the Test series,” he elaborated. This acknowledgment of Gill's experience at a young age indicates a shift in the perception of leadership roles within the team, where performance and potential are prioritized over mere age or experience.

As India prepares for the second ODI against England in Cardiff, Ashwin has also earmarked young pacer Gurnoor Brar as a highly exciting fast-bowling prospect across formats. “He is very impressive. He is a tall bowler. He has air speed. He will be expensive. This is his first tour, but he has raw material,” Ashwin noted. Gurnoor's potential is seen as a significant asset for the Indian bowling lineup, especially if he is managed correctly to avoid injuries and burnout.

“He can be a real champion bowler for India. Not only in this format. He can bowl red-ball cricket. Highly impressive. Great future ahead. I hope we can look after him very well without injuries because he can serve Indian cricket for a long time,” Ashwin concluded. This forward-looking perspective underscores the importance of investment in youth development, which is essential for the sustainability and competitiveness of Indian cricket on the global stage.