Kuldeep Yadav Must Play 3rd ODI vs Australia, Says Parthiv Patel

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has emphasised the importance of including wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI for the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. Following defeats in Perth and Adelaide, Patel argued that India must strike the right balance between batting and bowling rather than continuing to overload the lineup with extra batters.

Kuldeep Yadav has not featured in the ongoing ODI series, being left out of both matches so far. His absence has sparked criticism from fans and cricket analysts alike, particularly as India’s pacers struggled to contain an Australian batting lineup that continues to evolve. Parthiv Patel highlighted the need for a frontline spinner to strengthen India’s middle overs and break crucial partnerships.

“We will definitely see Kuldeep Yadav playing in the third ODI. As far as the combination is concerned, India will have to trust their top order, whether it’s about performance or runs, and stick with the right balance. There’s no need for an extra cushion in batting,” Patel told Star Sports.

He added, “Kuldeep Yadav can provide those crucial wickets in the middle overs that India has been missing. If your top-order batters get out early, that’s part of the game. You can’t keep adding more batters to cover for that. The focus should be on playing the best combination to win.”

India’s lineup in the first two ODIs relied heavily on five specialist batters and three bowling all-rounders. The side persisted with a three-pacer setup featuring Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj, with spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar providing additional control. However, the trio of pacers and the supporting spinners could not contain Australia’s batters effectively. Arshdeep took 2 wickets for 41 runs, Siraj managed 1 wicket, while Harshit conceded 59 runs for 2 wickets. Even Washington and Axar failed to exert significant control.

Australia, in contrast, introduced specialist spinner Adam Zampa, who claimed 4/60 and won the Player of the Match award, highlighting India’s deficiency in spin variety. Analysts argue that Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion would have added a crucial dimension, potentially stemming Australia’s middle-order momentum.

With the Sydney ODI shaping up as a pivotal match, Patel’s advice underscores the need for India to prioritise balance and bowling options over an extra batter. The series may be lost, but a strategic combination can restore pride and give India a fighting chance in the final match.