Kuldeep didn't feature in the first two ODIs against England.
India's decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav for the first two ODIs against England in Birmingham and Cardiff has triggered plenty of debate.
By bringing in spin bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Axar Patel alongside three frontline pacers, the visitors secured batting depth. However, this tactic invited scrutiny from experts and former cricketers who worry that the team management is filtering out its most potent wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra also questioned the team management's handling of Kuldeep, highlighting that the left-arm wrist-spinner is the first person dropped across formats whenever any changes are required.
"The more you think about him, the more you realize what is happening? Why is justice never done to this guy? Why does this guy never get proper opportunities? We are not treating him well, there is no doubt about it," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
"It has happened in multiple formats. It has happened in India and outside India. He is the first guy who faces the consequence of anything, whether it's a change in strategy, the team not doing well, or the batting not going well. The first guy who goes out is Kuldeep Yadav," he added.
Chopra called it "a travesty" that Kuldeep is frequently overlooked to accommodate lower-order batting depth.
"He has played for so many years, but has played a handful of matches. As soon as someone is doing slightly better, he is played ahead of him, or an all-rounder who can bat is played ahead of him. So, not being able to make a place for Kuldeep Yadav is a travesty," Chopra stated.
In ODIs, the middle overs often become defensive and slow. Aakash Chopra emphasized that an aggressive wrist-spinner is essential during this phase to break partnerships, rather than heavily relying on defensive finger-spinners or containment options.
"When we talk especially about ODI cricket, where the middle overs are slightly sluggish, you need a wicket-taker, and not to think about Kuldeep Yadav at all in such a scenario, I think it's a little sad. The right thing is not happening. I feel there should at least be an attempt to play him in the XI, but it's not happening at all. I don't like it," Chopra remarked.
Washington Sundar picked up a hamstring injury and couldn’t bowl during the second ODI against England. It remains to be seen if Kuldeep Yadav gets a nod for the series-deciding third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday (July 19) in case Sundar isn’t fit and available.