Big Blow for India as Major Bowler Gets Dropped Mid-Series in Australia

The Indian team has suffered a major blow, as they dropped a spin bowler in the series against Australia. Kuldeep Yadav has been sent back to India after playing two games in the series. The series remains leveled at 1-1, after three matches.

1. Why was Kuldeep Dropped?

Kuldeep Yadav will be playing the second unofficial Test match of the series. India started off well in the first unofficial Test, winning the game by 3 wickets. The second unofficial Test will be taking place from 6 November at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, for which Kuldeep Yadav has been picked.

Along with that, the announcement given by the BCCI also mentions that Kuldeep Yadav requires preparation for the red ball series against South Africa. The Test series is set to commence from 14 November, as fans await the squad announcement for the same. These unofficial Tests will be playing a crucial role to decide which

2. Kuldeep Yadav in Australia Tour

Kuldeep Yadav was a part of the Indian team for both ODI and T20I series against Australia. Being set for eight games, he was just able to play three games for the team. In the three-match ODI series, Kuldeep was selected in the playing XI for the third ODI to be played in Sydney. He took the wicket of Mitchell Starc in the game, and conceded 50 runs in his spell.

Later in the T20I series, Kuldeep was picked for the first match. But the match didn't get complete, and it was washed out by rain, ending in a no result. He did well in the second T20I match, taking the wicket of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis in his spell of four overs. But Kuldeep was a bit costly for the team, as he conceded 45 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav made his debut for the Indian team in the Test format in 2017. It has been 8 years since his debut, and he has played just 15 games till now. This means he gets to play not even two Tests each year for the team. Now, if he gets to play against South Africa, it will be a major boost to the Indian team.

Kuldeep Yadav in Tests:

With the Indian team now focusing more on the home Tests, they will be needing a spinner. This role was taken by Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired in December 2024 from all forms of international cricket. Upon his retirement, the team required a spinner and Kuldeep Yadav to be fit for this role.

In his Test comeback against the West Indies, Kuldeep Yadav was able to give his best. He got 4 wickets for the team in the first match, and 8 wickets in the second game. Now, he will be eager to prove his worth in the unofficial Test against South Africa A, and eventually play for India in the Tests against South Africa, starting from 14 November.