(Credit ICC)
Kuldeep Yadav was not included in Team India’s starting lineup for their first match against Ireland in the T20 World Cup.
Team India kicked off its journey in the T20 World Cup against Ireland in New York on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma caused a stir in the lineup by excluding the highly performing spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI. Kuldeep, who showcased exceptional form in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, was anticipated to be among the top choices for the Indian squad.
Despite Kuldeep’s remarkable performance of taking 16 wickets in 11 matches for the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 edition, and his notable contribution in India’s warm-up match against Bangladesh at the T20 World Cup, the team management chose to deploy a three-man pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja were selected as the two spinners in the XI instead.
Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar was “surprised” at the call, stating that Kuldeep had an impressive IPL season. “I’m surprised. Kuldeep bowled really well in the IPL,” Gavaskar had said following the toss in New York.
Although Rohit Sharma didn’t elaborate on the rationale behind Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from the XI, he mentioned that the team’s selection strategy paid off following their warm-up match against Bangladesh, which took place at the same venue last week.
“We played on a similar pitch and do know what to expect a little bit. I know it’s going to be slightly different from what we’re used to. But that’s what the sport is,” Rohit said.
Many fans shared Gavaskar’s sentiments, expressing equal surprise at Kuldeep’s omission from the Indian playing XI.
India aims to commence with a victorious performance.
The Indian team is focused on kicking off its T20 World Cup journey with determination. Rohit Sharma’s squad is eager to end an 11-year dry spell without an ICC title. The group stage in this edition appears manageable for the seasoned Indian team, with the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan expected to be the most challenging encounter before the Super 8s. India’s last ICC triumph was in 2013, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, when they secured the Champions Trophy.
