Ajit Agarkar, India’s selection committee chairperson, was overjoyed to see their left-arm spinner play well against a variety of opponents ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Kuldeep Yadav has been in fantastic form over the last few months. He was named Player of the Series recently for his efforts in the Asia Cup, when he took nine wickets at an average of 11.44. This includes a 5-for-25 against Pakistan as part of a 228-run triumph.
Overall, his performance has been excellent. He has 31 ODI wickets at an average of 15.51 runs per wicket since the start of 2023. In T20 Internationals, he has eight wickets at an average of 17.62 in the same time span.
His final Test appearance in December 2022 earned him the Player of the Match award for his 8/113 against Bangladesh.
Despite being India’s top spinner for the global mega event, he will not participate in the first two ODIs against Australia.
Speaking to the press after releasing the roster for the Australia games, Agarkar described Kuldeep as a player with a unique skill set and expressed optimism that the team management’s faith and confidence were paying off.
“I spent a couple of years in the IPL with him,” Agarkar explained. “You can tell he’s a guy with a unique skill set.” Every player requires faith and confidence, which is what the Indian team management has provided. And it’s probably showing right now on the field.”
Kuldeep was India’s crucial card, according to Agarkar, and most teams regarded him to be a difficult opponent.
“You can observe in different settings and against different opponents. He’s one of India’s strongest suits. So we’re thrilled for him and want to see what he’s up to on the cricket pitch right now.
“And hopefully he can keep doing that, because he clearly presents a challenge to most teams.” “We’re all very excited about what’s to come.”
The 15-man Indian squad for the upcoming Cricket World Cup has been declared. In addition to Kuldeep, they have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as spin alternatives.
Following its three-match ODI series against Australia, India will play two warm-up matches against England and the Netherlands, respectively. On October 8, they will kick up their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai.
