Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has backed the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI at the Asia Cup 2025. The UP spinner, who was benched throughout the IND vs ENG Test series, returns to the T20I side for the 8-nation tournament. However, the question remains – will Suryakumar Yadav play both specialist spinners Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy together? Shastri says it’s a no brainer.
Shastri wants Kuldeep in XI for Asia Cup
Speaking to Times of India, Shastri pointed out that Kuldeep was at the peak of his career and claimed he would be a vital cog in the wheel for Team India. Commenting on the spinner finishing with 15 wickets from 13 games in IPL 2025, the ex-Indian coach said that he had performed extremely well, adding that it was unfortunate he couldn’t get a game in England. Shastri opined that he would be glad to have two world-class spinners in his playing XI.
“If you have two wrist spinners of that quality, I would love to have them in my side. I think Kuldeep is at his peak now. He did extremely well in IPL, and unfortunately couldn’t make it to the team for the Tests in England because of the strength India have and the conditions. But he will be a vital cog in the wheel for Asia Cup and going forward with Varun and Axar,” Shastri opined.
Kuldeep’s last T20I outing came in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. He then featured in the Test series against New Zealand where he picked up an injury and was out for months. The spinner then made his comeback to the shortest format of the game in IPL 2025.
While Kuldeep boasts of 69 wickets to his name in T20Is, it will be interesting to see how captain SKY will accommodate him in the XI along with Varun and Axar.
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