Following Kuldeep Yadav’s outstanding performance in the Asia Cup 2025 opener, where he secured four wickets, speculation has arisen regarding his continued presence in the team. The situation stems from the commentary made by Sanjay Manjrekar, implying that Kuldeep might be benched despite his performance. Manjrekar’s comment reflects a recurring pattern in Kuldeep’s career, where he has often been dropped from the team despite delivering impactful performances.
In the match against UAE, Kuldeep’s bowling was instrumental in dismantling the opposition’s batting order. He took three wickets in one over, contributing significantly to India’s victory. His figures included four wickets for just seven runs in 2.1 overs, leading to his selection as Player of the Match. However, the comment on social media by Manjrekar suggests that his place in the next match is not guaranteed.
Manjrekar’s statement highlighted the possibility of Kuldeep being excluded despite his performance. This situation mirrors Kuldeep’s experiences in the past. Despite showcasing excellent skills, he has frequently been dropped from the playing eleven or the team itself. This trend has been particularly evident in Test cricket.
Kuldeep’s career with Team India has seen instances of being dropped even after stellar performances. He was dropped after taking five wickets in the Sydney Test against Australia in 2019. In 2021, he played only one Test, and he made a comeback in December 2022. After a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, he was dropped again. Last year, he didn’t get the chance to play in Tests in Australia and England. He also didn’t get a chance to play in the group stages of the T20 World Cup last year but did well in the Super 4 stage. These instances have led to criticism of the team management’s decisions.