Aakash Chopra feels Indian management isn't treating Kuldeep Yadav properly as they are eluding him of proper chances.
Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has often faced inconsistent selection despite his evident talent and potential impact in the international cricket arena. Cricket commentator Aakash Chopra recently voiced strong criticism over what he describes as the team management’s unfair handling of Kuldeep, noting that the bowler’s potential is being wasted, depriving him of the chance to develop as a mainstay in India’s spin attack.
Chopra pointed out that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have continued to secure their spots despite their age and fitness considerations, but Kuldeep’s development as a unique spin option is being overlooked.
“Ashwin will go first because he is more aged. Jadeja is fitter and younger as well. So he will stay for longer. You need to start grooming,” he continued, stating his belief that Kuldeep deserves consistent playing time to prepare for long-term contributions.
Recently, Washington Sundar has been given some game time as a young spinning option, which Chopra sees as a positive move for grooming future talent. However, he feels Kuldeep was not afforded the same courtesy in earlier instances, even when the conditions suited him.
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“You started giving a chance to Washington Sundar now, but you didn’t do the right thing with Kuldeep,” Chopra asserted. This, he argues, reflects a lack of genuine commitment from the management to invest in Kuldeep’s growth.
The situation came to a head when Kuldeep, though reportedly fit to play, was left out of the Mumbai Test against New Zealand for “injury management.” Chopra challenged this decision, suggesting it might indicate a lack of confidence in Kuldeep or, worse, a lack of transparency with the bowler himself.
“You are not preparing Kuldeep, and he is that guy because modern-day batters surrender against such wrist spin. However, we are not playing him. We are not being honest with him in a sense. He is being sent for injury management although he is available for the Mumbai match,” Chopra stated.
He argued that Kuldeep’s exclusion feels especially unwarranted given his availability and fitness status, adding that such decisions may impact the spinner’s morale and momentum.
Chopra highlighted that the team’s reluctance to include Kuldeep now could limit his readiness for future critical series, such as the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where spin has historically been crucial on certain pitches. The Melbourne and Sydney Tests, still two months away, could have benefitted from a player of Kuldeep’s ability, especially given his left-arm wrist-spin variation.
“If Kuldeep is available or can play the Mumbai Test against New Zealand, he could have been taken for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well,” Chopra argued, implying that Kuldeep’s selection for these matches could be pivotal to preparing for challenging overseas encounters.
In Chopra’s view, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin bowling style, capable of baffling modern batters, is an invaluable skill India cannot afford to overlook. His comments call for a reassessment of how young, talented players like Kuldeep are treated, urging for fairer development opportunities and greater transparency in selection decisions that directly impact India’s future.
