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Aakash Chopra expressed surprise over Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from the upcoming Sri Lanka T20I squad, noting the exclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad as well. The selectors have opted to include nine players who were part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, with retirements from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in T20Is, and reports of rest for Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.
Notably, no official explanation was provided regarding the non-inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side in the three-match series, supported by Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed in the pace department, while Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi will handle spin duties. The series kicks off on July 27 in Pallekele.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Name Is Not There in T20 Cricket – Aakash Chopra
In a recent upload on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted the surprising omission of Kuldeep Yadav from the T20I squad, despite his recent strong performances and contribution to India’s World Cup victory. Chopra pointed out that while Kuldeep is included in the India squad for the three-match ODI series during the same tour, his absence from the T20I lineup raises eyebrows.
“Kuldeep Yadav’s name is not there in T20 cricket. It’s very surprising because the guy has come just now after winning the World Cup but his name is not there in T20 cricket. Has something happened that we don’t know about? He is going with the ODI setup. I have got no idea why he isn’t playing T20Is,” Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra raised doubts about whether selectors are redirecting their attention from Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja. He also mentioned uncertainty regarding Jadeja’s availability for ODI matches.
“Yuzi Chahal also comes to mind. You were just now part of the World Cup. After that, you are nowhere. Ravindra Jadeja is also not part of ODI cricket. What’s happening there? He has himself retired from T20Is but would have been available in ODIs. If he is available and is not being played despite that, have Team India started looking in some other direction?” Chopra added.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have secured spots as spinners in both the T20I and ODI squads. Kuldeep Yadav has been designated as the wrist-spinner for the ODIs, whereas Ravi Bishnoi has been chosen for the T20Is.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Has Been Left Out In Both Formats – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra, speaking from his perspective as a former cricketer turned commentator, voiced his apprehensions regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence from both T20I and ODI formats. Chopra underscored that just six months ago, Gaikwad was leading the Indian cricket team, yet he finds himself omitted from both squads now.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad has been left out in both formats. What did Ruturaj Gaikwad do that his name hasn’t come? Six months ago, you were worthy of becoming the captain of a team, a team that had Shubman Gill who wasn’t playing, but Shubman has become the vice-captain now and Ruturaj is not even part of the team, neither in T20Is nor in ODIs. Is that right?”
The selectors opted not to include a backup opener in either squad for the upcoming series. In the T20I squad, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the sole specialist openers. It is anticipated that Gill will partner with Rohit Sharma as the opening pair in the ODIs.
