Former India cricketer Madan Lal has backed the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian playing XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 tournament. The 8-team tournament will begin in the UAE on September 9. India is placed in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE.
India will open their Asia Cup 2025 on September 10 against the UAE in Dubai. They will then play Pakistan on September 14 and then Oman on September 19.
India has a well-settled playing XI in T20Is, but the bowling combination will be an interesting one. With Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah all available for selection, it remains to be seen whether the Indian team management compromises with the batting depth to play all three match-winners.
Madan Lal feels that Kuldeep Yadav should play in the India XI thanks to his unique left-arm wrist spin and ability to bowl well in T20 cricket. However, as per the 1983 World Cup winner, the final decision remains with the Indian team management.
“India is a strong favorite due to their skilled team. The unpredictability of the T20 format and the performances of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, noting that Afghanistan is currently playing well. There is controversy over the team combination, particularly the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer, with selections often decided by selectors and coaches… Afghanistan is seen as a potential challenger to Pakistan, whose current performance and confidence levels are questioned. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are considered strong contenders.
Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team due to his unique bowling style, which is difficult to counter in T20 cricket, though the final decision depends on the wicket conditions and team combination. Two spinners and three pace bowlers should be included in Dubai," Madan Lal told ANI.
Kuldeep was included in India's Asia Cup team but was not given the opportunity to participate in the just-finished five-Test series between India and England. Yadav has already claimed 69 wickets in 40 T20Is.
