AUS vs IND: Matthew Hayden and other experts explain why Kuldeep Yadav should play in the remaining ODIs
Like the highly anticipated India-Australia ODI Series moves to Adelaide for the 2nd ODI on October 23, 2025, all eyes are on the strategic selection of the Indian team to counter the Australian line-up on a spinner-friendly pitch. After a seven-wicket defeat in the opening ODI, where India missed key breakthroughs, the spotlight is intensifying on the inclusion of the left wrist spinner. Kuldeep Yadav. With Adelaide Oval known for aiding spin bowling, Kuldeep’s role in the remaining matches is vital for India to regain control and level the series.
Having been the highest wicket-taker in the Asian Cup 2025 With 17 scalps, Kuldeep proved his skills and winning potential, especially in the middle overs where wickets are vital to disrupt partnerships and put pressure on the opposition.
Kuldeep Yadav’s tactical importance in ODIs
Kuldeep’s importance extends beyond his wicket-taking ability; he provides a vital balance to the Indian bowling attack, especially in conditions where fast bowlers cannot dominate. Experts highlight the need for a genuine wicket bowler to complement the fast pace attack.
His left-arm wrist spin offers variety and is known to be a thorn in Australia’s side, having picked 31 wickets in 23 ODIs against the hosts. This record suggests his knack for breakthroughs during crucial phases of the innings, often swinging the momentum in India’s favor.
As the team management mulls the balance between batting depth and bowling penetration, Kuldeep’s aggressive spin bowling is seen as a weapon that could turn things around, especially in venues like Adelaide that help spinners with bounce and spin.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma’s ODI record at Adelaide Oval
Matthew Hayden and experts back Kuldeep’s inclusion
Cricket veterans and analysts, including the Australian Matthew Haydenstrongly support Kuldeep’s inclusion in the Indian playing XI. Hayden remarked: “I really think they should go with Kuldeep Yadav. Challenge Australia with spin and a real wicket-taking option.”
Hayden points out that spin can disrupt the rhythm of Australia’s batting, making Kuldeep a key element in controlling the middle overs. Likewise, the former Indian pacer Varun Aaron has emphasized tactical flexibility, making a case for Kuldeep as a strike bowler in the middle, especially if the pacers fail to get early breakthroughs. Aaron also suggested promoting KL Rahul up the order to strengthen the batting line-up, but highlighted Kuldeep’s value as a vital wicket-taker in all conditions.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel echoed the need for an attacking spinner to break partnerships in the middle of the innings. Patel commented: “India needs an attacking bowler in the middle and when you have someone like Kuldeep Yadav who is a wrist spinner and can take wickets, India should figure out how to include him.»
This consensus among experts indicates that Kuldeep’s ability to provide crucial breakthroughs makes him irreplaceable, especially against a formidable Australian team looking to capitalize on Indian vulnerabilities without rotating the strike.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli’s ODI record at Adelaide Oval
