The recent performance of Kuldeep Yadav in the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked debate. Despite taking four wickets in the opening match against the UAE, questions have arisen regarding his place in the upcoming game. The situation stems from a comment made by commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who alluded to the possibility of Kuldeep being dropped despite his impressive performance.
Kuldeep’s dominance over the UAE batsmen was evident, with his spell effectively dismantling their batting lineup. He secured three wickets in a single over, setting the stage for India’s easy victory. His overall figures included four wickets for a mere seven runs in just over two overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. However, Manjrekar’s post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) hinted at a different outcome.
Manjrekar’s observation, “Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now,” reflects on the frequent instances where Kuldeep has been excluded from the team despite showcasing exceptional skills. This is not the first time Kuldeep has faced this situation, with a history of being dropped even after strong performances.
Kuldeep’s career in Team India has been marked by fluctuations. Despite debuting in 2017, he has been in and out of the team, particularly in Test cricket. For instance, he was dropped after taking five wickets in a 2019 Test against Australia. He only played one Test in 2021, returning to the squad in December 2022. Even after a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, he was dropped. Last year, despite good performances, he was not selected for Test matches in Australia and England. Similarly, he was not included in the T20 World Cup group stages, but his performance in the Super 4s was commendable. This pattern has led to criticism of the team management’s selection policies.