Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer expressed concerns regarding Kuldeep Yadav’s handling after the ODI series against England. Yadav didn’t get a single game against England and was also excluded in the final game of the series despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Yadav was also not picked in the first two ODIs against England as the spin duo of Washington Sundar and Axar Patel were picked ahead of him. It is clear that the management is backing spin and seam-bowling all-rounders ahead of Yadav. Since July 2024, Kuldeep has featured in 38 games out of 103 matches across all formats for India.

Kuldeep has scalped 194 ODI wickets in 121 matches at an average of 27.05 and thus has an impressive record in the 50-over format.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “I was surprised that Kuldeep Yadav did not get a chance even yesterday. I don’t know why this is happening because, in a way, I feel his confidence must have taken a hit. When you sit out for such a long time, whenever you get an opportunity to play, you are not at your best because you need rhythm and consistency that comes from playing regularly.”

Jaffer said the team management has no confidence in Kuldeep Yadav and the third ODI was a perfect opportunity to play the wrist spinner.

“Somehow, it feels like this management does not have enough confidence in Kuldeep. Yesterday would have been a perfect opportunity for him to play, but even there, he was not included. They went with four fast bowlers.”

Jaffer recalled that Kuldeep was also not given an opportunity in the five-match Test series against England in 2025.

“We know that England does not play spin that well, but if we don’t play him (Kuldeep) against them, then I don’t understand. We were having the same discussions during England’s Test series last year as well, when it was such a hot summer and Kuldeep Yadav was not given a single Test match.”

India’s next ODI series is at home against the West Indies.