Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that left wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the playing XI for the second ODI against Australia. Pathan also said that senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might be slightly behind schedule due to limited recent match practice.
Australia registered a seven-wicket win over Team India in the first ODI of the three-match series on October 19 at the Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the match to 26 overs per team, with India managing just 136/9. Mitchell Marsh guided the hosts to victory in the 21st, giving Australia an early 1-0 lead.
How can we make room for Kuldeep Yadav? -Irfan Pathan
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan suggested ways to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. He recommended either replacing all-rounder Washington Sundar or resting one of the frontline pacers to accommodate Kuldeep.
Your daily dose of cricket!
“How can we make room for Kuldeep Yadav in the team? According to me, India has 3 ways to include Kuldeep in the playing XI. Firstly, they can bring him in for Washington Sundar,” Pathan said.
“Otherwise, one of the three fast bowlers – Siraj, Arshdeep or Rana – has to miss out. With this option, India has the batting depth they prefer as Sundar will be there at No. 8 and Reddy becomes the third seamer. You can try any of these options, but try to include Kuldeep Yadav in the team,” he added.
Play 11. Reason for failure of Virat & Rohit + reason for not picking Kuldeep Yadav in first match. Full video on YT channel pic.twitter.com/GdCvREy39B
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2025
We will never judge Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan says Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are missing match practice. He emphasized that players need to keep pace by playing regularly, as consistent playing time helps management make better strategic decisions.
“We will never judge Rohit and Virat on their performances, and no one should do that too, because they are great players. But you have to do the things that are necessary, you have to complete the processes, you have to play matches,” Pathan added.
“In that regard, they have fallen behind. If they had played a few matches before coming and shown some form, the team management might have thought that seven batters was enough, and we can include Kuldeep Yadav. But now, as the team is not sure about the form of three players, that is not happening.”
Kuldeep Yadav excluded from Indian XI for first ODI
Kuldeep Yadav was left out of India’s playing XI for the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The team management opted for three all-rounders to prioritize batting depth and multiple bowling options over a specialist spinner.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were the only players in the lineup. In the rain-affected match, Axar and Sundar bowled a total of six overs, conceding 33 runs and picking up two wickets. However, India’s overall performance was not impressive with the team struggling with both the bat and the ball.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact in their return to international cricket after a seven-month break. The duo faltered in the face of Australia’s fast-paced attack. Rohit managed just 8 before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, while Kohli fell for a duck from Mitchell Starc.
Their rustiness and lack of match practice became major talking points after an at-bat collapse. The second ODI match between the two teams will take place at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23.
Also read: Kuldeep Yadav received no clarification from the Indian team on his future
