Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show in the first ODI between India and West Indies on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, despite the match seeing three centuries being scored in the contest. The West Indies had batted first, and thanks to a century by Justin Greaves, they posted 295/7 in 50 overs.

Then in the chase, captain Shubman Gill made 110*, and Virat Kohli’s 139* led the way for India, and won the game by 8 wickets in 41.4 overs. With this win, India went 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series.

Everyone expected Virat Kohli or Shubman Gill to get the Player of the Match for their splendid tons, but Kuldeep Yadav was chosen instead for his 4/40 in 10 overs. Kuldeep dismissed opener John Campbell, centurion Justin Greaves, Windies captain Shai Hope, and Jewel Andrew.

Praising the left-arm wrist-spinner, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin said Kuldeep should be a part of India's squad for the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa next year.

"Forget the four wickets. Many people are saying this is his comeback. It is nothing like that. He has almost 200 wickets. He has been a champion spinner, and we cannot go to South Africa without him. He was a very good bowler; he is a very good bowler, and he will continue to be a very good bowler. I will not agree to anything otherwise.

This West Indies batting lineup is no match for Kuldeep Yadav's skill. But I am very happy that he went and played county cricket, picked wickets, and you can see the results again. Being Kuldeep is not easy, but the rhythm that he showed, I am very happy,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Kuldeep Yadav last played ODI cricket at home against Afghanistan and was not picked for the ODI series in England. The ODI against West Indies marked his return to the side, and he made an immediate impact with a match-winning performance.

The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played on Wednesday, September 30, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.