Contrasting Management Styles

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over the current handling of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, describing the situation as "bizarre." Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin contrasted the current regime led by head coach Gautam Gambhir with the previous setup under Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma.

Ashwin argued that under the previous management, Kuldeep was given consistent opportunities and a strong support system, which translated into match-winning performances. During the tenure of Dravid (November 2021 to June 2024), Kuldeep featured in six Tests, 38 ODIs, and 17 T20Is, establishing himself as a reliable asset.

“The way Kuldeep Yadav has been handled is bizarre," Ashwin stated. “Kuldeep, when the last team management was around with Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, he was well backed, and everyone saw the proof in the pudding as he was delivering match-winning performances. But again in the last 18 months, Kuldeep finds himself with a lot of question marks."

Form Slump and Shifting Priorities

Despite remaining in the mix, Kuldeep has faced a frustrating period under Gambhir. He played only one match during India's successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and was recently omitted from the T20I squads for the tours of England and Ireland.

Ashwin acknowledged that Kuldeep's performance in IPL 2026 didn't help his case, as the spinner managed only 10 wickets with a career-worst economy rate of 10.30. However, since Kuldeep remains a part of the Test setup—including the current one-off Test against Afghanistan—Ashwin believes the red-ball format is now his best path forward.

“Test cricket must now be his priority, and he must take it on," Ashwin remarked.

The Case of Ravi Bishnoi

The discussion also extended to Ravi Bishnoi's recent recall to the T20I squad. Ashwin noted the irony of the selection calls, recalling that Bishnoi was dropped for Kuldeep in December 2023 despite being the world's No.1 T20I bowler at the time.

Even with a modest IPL 2026 campaign—where Bishnoi took 11 wickets in nine matches and eventually lost his place in the XI—he has returned to the national setup. Ashwin described these selection patterns as "circular calls" and emphasized that Bishnoi needs to refine his accuracy.

“Version 2.0 of Ravi Bishnoi needs to turn up because he misses his length way too much now than he must, and he must rediscover his mojo," Ashwin concluded.