Team India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak issued a clarification on leaving out left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing eleven for the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Kotak said that due to the wicket and team combination being favorable for fast bowling in Perth, Kuldeep did not get a chance in the eleven.
India included three all-rounders and three specialist fast bowlers for the series opener in Perth, with Kuldeep Yadav kept on the bench despite his recent form and impressive record in the format. The Indian batsmen managed to score only 136 runs in 26 overs, leaving little chance for the bowlers to defend.
Decision taken after assessing the wicket – Sitanshu Kotak on Kuldeep Yadav
Sitanshu Kotak said that Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the second ODI will depend on the condition of the pitch and match. He stressed that team balance is prioritized over individual selection, with the decision being based on whether the team needs an extra batsman or a lower-order option.
“The decision is taken after assessing the wicket. It completely depends on the circumstances whether you need an extra batsman or a batsman at No. 8. It is more about the balance of the team rather than any one individual,” Kotak said.
Kuldeep Yadav enjoyed a brilliant 2025 across all formats
Kuldeep Yadav has had a fantastic 2025 across all formats. His omission from India’s playing eleven in the first ODI against Australia was a surprise. The left-arm wrist spinner played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win, taking seven wickets at an economy of 4.79 in five matches.
He continued his dominance at the 2025 Asia Cup and became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets, including four in the final. Kuldeep continued his form in the home Test series against West Indies and took 12 wickets to help India complete a 2–0 series whitewash.
The 30-year-old cricketer has proven himself as a key performer for India across all formats. He has taken 181 wickets in 113 ODIs at an average of 26.44 and an economy rate of less than five.
They pretty much know that their turn will come – Sitanshu Kotak
Sitanshu Kotak also talked about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence from the playing XI and said that the young opener will have to be patient to get his chance. Kotak said that Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut against England earlier this year, should make the most of the opportunity when he gets it.
Kotak said, “I think he is in the team, in practice, and they (other youngsters) largely know that their turn will come, and they prepare well. At the end of the day, only 11 can play, so you have to wait for your turn and then perform.”
Despite his skills, Yashasvi Jaiswal has not yet become a regular member of India’s white-ball teams. The 23-year-old has cemented his reputation as one of the finest Test openers globally, but despite excellent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket, he has played just 23 T20Is and one ODI.
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