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Kuldeep Yadav should've played in Hyderabad: India's bowling plans under scrutiny

India’s bowling strategy faced sharp criticism after a 24-run defeat to the West Indies in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad, where the hosts’ lack of spin options proved costly. Former pacer Varun Aaron, now bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad, argued that specialist wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav should have been included in the lineup, given the pitch’s assistive nature and the West Indies’ effective use of two spinners.

The surface, though not flat, offered occasional bounce, while the absence of dew could have favored Yadav’s turn. India’s lone spinners, Axar Patel (1/45) and Naman Dhir (19 runs conceded), failed to exert pressure, while West Indies’ Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase capitalized, with Motie turning the tide by dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Naman off consecutive deliveries in a pivotal over.

The hosts’ batting also struggled, collapsing from 223 for nine after chasing down a West Indies total of 247 for three.

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