As India prepares to face Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged the team management to make changes to the playing XI. Pathan believes Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the lineup to strengthen India’s bowling attack and add a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Kuldeep was left out of the first ODI as India opted for three all-rounders, prioritizing batting depth. But after the 7-wicket loss in Perth, Pathan feels a tactical change is needed.
Irfan Suggests Two Ways to Fit in Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan laid out two possible ways to bring Kuldeep back into the XI.
“According to me, India have three ways on how to include Kuldeep in the playing XI. Firstly, they can bring him in for Washington Sundar,” Pathan said.
“Otherwise, one of the three pacers — Siraj, Arshdeep, or Harshit Rana — has to sit out. With this option, India will still have batting depth with Sundar at No. 8 and Reddy as the third seamer.”
Why Irfan is Backing Kuldeep
Irfan emphasized that Kuldeep’s attacking skill set can make a difference on Australian pitches too.
“I am advocating for Kuldeep Yadav because he is such an attacking option. We saw even in Perth that a spinner took a wicket; it isn’t as if spinners cannot function there,” he explained.
He also noted that India’s decision to play only four frontline bowlers in the first ODI was influenced by the fact that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer were all returning to international cricket after a break.
Team Combination Challenge
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has consistently backed a strategy of fielding multi-skilled cricketers, ensuring batting depth up to No. 8. This approach makes it difficult for someone like Kuldeep — despite having 181 wickets in 113 matches — to slot in unless one of the pacers or an all-rounder makes way.
Still, Pathan feels the match situation at Adelaide makes Kuldeep’s inclusion crucial.
Irfan Pathan’s Suggested XI vs Australia
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
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