![Shubman Gill explained Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784454240335_KuldeepYadavShubmanGill.jpg?type=hq)
Shubman Gill explained Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion [Source: AFP]
Experienced Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav found himself on the sidelines yet again in the ongoing ODI series against England. Ace allrounder Washington Sundar missed out on selection due to a hamstring injury, opening doors for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's playing XI for the Lord's ODI.
It's worth mentioning that Kuldeep wasn't a regular in India's playing XI in the recently concluded home series against Afghanistan. However, given that Sundar sustained a nasty injury during the second ODI against England, the veteran bowler was expected to make a comeback at Lord's.
Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing IND Vs ENG 3rd ODI?
However, despite missing one of their spin bowlers, India decided to replace Sundar with Arshdeep Singh, ignoring Kuldeep Yadav for another time in the series. At toss, Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed the reason why the tourists picked four fast bowlers for the Lord's encounter.
Speaking to Nasser Hussain, Shubman Gill reckoned that the spinners haven't added significant value to the table in the middle overs so far in the series. Therefore, as Gill put it, the Indian team decided to brought four fast bowlers in order to maximise the bowling impact in the all-important decider.
"We are not the ones who rely on stats too much. We think that he is a great bowler. We were looking to play 4 seamers on this ground. We have seen in the middle overs that spinners don't really offer much compared to the fast bowlers," Gill said at the toss, quoted by CREX.
Also Read: When Was The Last Time England Won An ODI Series Against India?
What is India's bowling attack without Kuldeep Yadav for Lord's ODI?
While the hamstring injury ruled Washington Sundar out of the India vs England ODI series, Jasprit Bumrah missed the decider at Lord's due to knee injury. With Kuldeep Yadav ignored, Axar Patel is India's only spin bowling option for the final ODI against England.
Apart from the left-arm off-spinner, India have four seamers- Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav- to spearhead their attack at Lord's. Prasidh and Gurnoor have played all matches of the series, while Arshdeep and Prince Yadav will play an ODI for the first time on the England tour.
Did India miss the trick by excluding Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep Yadav has undoubtedly been a match-winner for the Indian cricket team in ODIs. The wrist-spinner wreaked havoc the last time he played an ODI series in England, scalping nine wickets in three matches.
Overall, Kuldeep has 15 wickets across 10 ODIs in England, averaging 32.33 with the ball. His ability to deceive the batters with guile and variations makes Kuldeep a genuine threat to any batting lineup in the world.
Talking about Lord's, Kuldeep has played one ODI at the venue, scalping three wickets. Furthermore, during his chat with the broadcasters, renowned commentator Deep Dasgupta revealed that the pitch at Lord's might be slightly on the drier side, which means it may bring the spinners into play as the game progresses. Therefore, we reckon India might've missed the trick by preferring an additional fast bowler over Kuldeep Yadav for the decider.
Also Read: Why India, England Players Are Wearing Black Armbands In 3rd ODI?
.jpg?type=mq "When Was the Last Time England Won vs India?")
