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Ravichandran Ashwin slams Gautam Gambhir’s think tank over Kuldeep Yadav’s snub

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized Gautam Gambhir’s selection committee for omitting Kuldeep Yadav from the squad during the fourth T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad. India suffered a 24-run defeat after posting 223 runs in 19.3 overs, chasing down a West Indies total of 247/3, with Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102* off 50 balls proving decisive.

Ashwin argued that Kuldeep’s exclusion lacked tactical sense, given the West Indies’ struggles against his googlies and leg-spin variations, which had previously troubled their batters. He suggested Kuldeep’s presence could have saved 15–20 runs, potentially altering the match’s outcome.

The wrist-spinner’s T20I record against the West Indies is strong, with 20 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.70 and an economy of 7.13, underscoring his effectiveness against the Caribbean side. Ashwin also defended the decision to leave Kuldeep out in Indore, citing the smaller boundaries making it harder for spinners to restrict scoring, while clarifying that Kuldeep’s single wicket for 53 runs in Ranchi should not be blamed for India’s defeat there.

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Ravichandran Ashwin calls out omission of Kuldeep Yadav from India T20I line-up