Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the final ODI against Australia in Sydney, arguing that the left-arm wrist-spinner brings a unique threat to India’s attack. Kuldeep has not featured in the first two games of the series, in which India suffered consecutive losses, giving Australia a 2-0 lead and securing the three-match series. On his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin explained why Kuldeep’s presence could have made a difference. “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,” Ashwin said. He continued, “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 last chance to avoid a series whitewash comes in Sydney on Saturday. In the second ODI at Adelaide, India posted 264 for 9, bolstered by Rohit Sharma’s 97-ball 73, which included seven fours and two sixes, and Shreyas Iyer’s 61. However, Australia’s Adam Zampa spun a web, taking four wickets for 60 runs, while Xavier Bartlett claimed three, including the wicket of Virat Kohli for a duck. In reply, Australia comfortably chased down the target with more than three overs to spare. Cooper Connolly starred with an unbeaten 61 off 53 balls, including five boundaries and a six, while Matt Short also contributed a fluent fifty. With the series already decided, India will be looking to salvage some pride in the final match, but Ashwin’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion and the potential advantage he could bring to the team.
