Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin suggests that India should include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing 11 before the final ODI match in Sydney. He thinks that Kudeep’s wrist-spin will create difficulties for Australian batters. 

India lost the first two matches in the series, and Kuldeep wasn’t part of those matches. Australia won the series smoothly, but India had only one match to save from a clean sweep. India’s decision to go without Kuldeep in the first two matches backfired on them and drew criticism from passionate fans and former players.

Ashwin believes that Kuldeep’s inclusion in the playing 11 will create an edge for India and will add strength and variation in the bowling lineup, so that India can end this series on a high and positive note with a win.

See Also: [WATCH] Indian players take Uber in Australia; cab driver’s wholesome reaction wins hearts

Ravichandran Ashwin Urges Kuldeep’s Inclusion for the Final Clash:

On his show on YouTube ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin explained that if Kuldeep would have been part of India’s bowling unit, the picture would have been different. He also thinks that Kuldeep’s experience and bowling variation would create differences between the hosts and visitors and pose difficulties for the inexperienced Australian side.

Ashwin said, “ Axar Patel and Washington Sundar both took wickets, so we can’t fault their efforts. But the key is taking wickets. Look at Adam Zampa—he took four wickets, and his ball spins too. Think about it, has Cooper Connolly ever faced Kuldeep? Matthew Short, maybe here and there. Alex Carey has faced him but struggled. Mitchell Owen hasn’t played against him at all.”

He added, “ This Australian batting lineup hasn’t seen Kuldeep before. Historically, everyone who faces him early on struggles. So leaving him out isn’t the wisest call. I hope he gets a game in Sydney. Harshit Rana has contributed with both bat and ball, but Kuldeep offers something extra—he’s a proven wicket-taker.”

India’s Fight Falls Short In Front of Series Defeat:

After the disastrous outcome in Perth in the second ODI match of the series in Adelaide, while batting first, India put up 264 runs on board. Rohit Sharma showed his true strength, scoring 73 runs, and Shreyas Iyer scored 61 runs. Adam Zampa took 4 crucial wickets, and Xavier Bartlett picked up 3 important wickets. 

While chasing down the target, Australia won the match by 2 wickets with 16 balls in hand. Cooper Connolly’s unbeaten 61 runs and Matt Short's fiery and quick half-century made this chase easy for the hosts and sealed the series 2-0. Two back-to-back defeats put India on the backfoot and left the visitors with only one match to end the series with a win.