Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the playing eleven for the second ODI against Australia. Pathan also said that senior batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may be a little behind in form due to limited recent match practice.
Australia won over Team India by seven wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Optus Stadium on 19 October. Due to rain, the match was reduced to 26 overs per side, due to which India could only make 136/9. Mitchell Marsh gave the host team victory by the 21st over and gave Australia an early 1-0 lead.
How can we make room for Kuldeep Yadav? -Irfan Pathan
While talking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan suggested ways to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven. He recommended either replacing all-rounder Washington Sundar or resting one of the frontline pacers to accommodate Kuldeep.
Pathan said, “How can we make room for Kuldeep Yadav in the team? According to me, India have 3 ways to include Kuldeep in the playing eleven. Firstly, they can bring him in place of Washington Sundar.”
“Otherwise, one of the three fast bowlers – Siraj, Arshdeep, or Rana – will have to sit out. With this option, India have the batting depth they prefer as Sundar will be at No. 8, and Reddy will become the third seamer. You can try any of these options, but try to include Kuldeep Yadav in the team.”
Playing 11. Reason for failure of Virat and Rohit + Reason for not selecting Kuldeep Yadav in the first game. Full video on YT channel pic.twitter.com/GdCvREy39B
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 22 October 2025
We will never judge Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lack match practice. He stressed that players need to stay in rhythm by playing regularly, as consistent playing time helps the management in taking better strategic decisions.
Pathan further said, “We will never judge Rohit and Virat on their performances and no one should do that because they are great players. But you have to do the things that are required, you have to follow the processes, you have to play the matches.”
“In this case, he has lagged behind. If he had played a few matches before coming in and shown some form, the team management might have thought that seven batsmen were enough, and we could have included Kuldeep Yadav. But now, since the team is uncertain about the form of three players, that is not happening.”
Kuldeep Yadav was dropped from India’s playing eleven for the first ODI.
Kuldeep Yadav was left out of India’s playing eleven in the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The team management chose three all-rounders, preferring batting depth and multiple bowling options over a specialist spinner.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were the only spinners in the lineup. In the rain-affected game, Axar and Sundar combined to bowl six overs, conceding 33 runs and taking two wickets. However, India’s overall performance failed to impress, with the team struggling with both bat and ball.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact on their return to international cricket after a seven-month break. The pair faltered in the face of Australia’s pace attack. Rohit managed just 8 runs before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, while Kohli was out for a duck off the bowling of Mitchell Starc.
His batting collapse and lack of match practice became a major talking point. The second ODI match between the two teams will be held on Thursday 23 October at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
Also read: Indian team did not give any clarity to Kuldeep Yadav on his future.
