Team India have come under heavy criticism for leaving out Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI in the first two ODIs against Australia in Perth and Adelaide. However, the left-arm wrist-spinner has finally earned a spot in the side for the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The 30-year-old was one of India’s standout performers in the 2025 Asia Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Across seven matches, Kuldeep Yadav claimed 17 wickets at an impressive average of 9.29 and an economy rate of 6.27. His overall ODI record is equally noteworthy — 181 wickets in 113 matches at an average of 26.44, including two five-wicket hauls. Kuldeep also played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.
While his numbers in Australia remain modest, with only three wickets in as many ODIs at an average of 59, he will be eager to turn things around in Sydney as India aim to prevent a series whitewash. The spinner is also expected to be a key part of the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia.
“Has Cooper Connolly Faced Kuldeep?” – Ashwin Questions Spinner’s ODI Exclusion
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel, remarked that the left-arm wrist-spinner could have posed significant challenges to Australia’s inexperienced middle order during the second ODI in Adelaide. He stated:
“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.”
India posted 264/9 in 50 overs at Adelaide but couldn’t defend it, as Matt Short (74) and Cooper Connolly (61) guided Australia to victory. India made one change, including Prasidh Krishna while leaving out Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Australia chose to bat first in Sydney.
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