Former Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar expects the side to drop one fast bowler to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven for the second ODI against Australia.
Nayar pointed out that spinners taking two out of the three Australian wickets to fall in Perth might prompt coach Gautam Gambhir to bring in Kuldeep. The exclusion of the left-arm wrist-spinner surprised many, especially since Kuldeep recently took 17 wickets in the Men in Blue’s victorious Asia Cup campaign.
While Axar Patel and Washington Sundar took one wicket each in the first ODI, the tourists could not make enough inroads as Australia won the rain-affected 26-over contest by seven wickets.
When asked by Jatin Sapru about Kuldeep, the 44-year-old said on Star Sports:
“Let me make a guess. I’ll take a guess. There’s just going to be one replacement in the next match. I think Kuldeep Yadav will come in and one fast bowler will miss out is my understanding of it. He (captain Shubman Gill) will still want batting depth. He will still go one fast bowler less because even in a game when the ball was seaming, swinging and doing a bit, Axar Patel picked up a wicket, Washington Sundar picked up a wicket and the sole wicket that a fast bowler got was Arshdeep Singh.”
Trending reports suggest that Harshit Rana could be the one to make way for the wrist-spinner if the visitors decide to change their bowling unit. The right-arm pacer went wicketless in his four overs on Sunday, October 19, giving away 27 runs, and was barely threatening during most of his spell.
Abhishek Nayar further added that the conditions in Adelaide should suit Kuldeep Yadav well, as he will get pace off the pitch — making him a significant threat to Australia.
“He understands, India understands and someone like Shubman Gill understands that India’s biggest strength or threat sitting in that Australian dressing room is Kuldeep Yadav. Because now you have to pick the ball through his wrist and understand that he is going to get pace off the pitch. The conditions are going to suit him and I feel India will need Kuldeep Yadav post the 15 to the 35-over mark for someone to pick wickets because remember there is no Varun Chakravarthy,” Nayar explained.
He continued, “This Varun Chakravarthy-Kuldeep Yadav combination is why they were so successful in the Champions Trophy and also when they played England in India. So, there may be a thought process and you may see Kuldeep Yadav come in.”
It is worth noting that India had beaten Australia the last time the two sides faced off in an ODI in Adelaide.
—
**About the Author**
Aayushman Vishwanathan is a cricket journalist at Sportskeeda, covering news, features, and listicles. A finance graduate with a diploma in journalism, he brings over seven years of experience with bylines at reputed platforms like Free Press Journal, Cricket Addictor, and Roar. Aayushman is committed to presenting all relevant information and facts, allowing readers to form their own opinions.
His career highlights include interviewing former Australia stalwart David Hussey. Originally a Tata Consultancy Services employee, Aayushman developed a keen interest in the Australian men’s cricket team, inspired by their aggressive and resilient attitude during the 2003 ICC World Cup. His favorite cricketer is Steve Smith, admired for his self-belief and unconventional style, especially showcased during the 2019 Ashes Series. If given a time machine, Aayushman wishes to revisit the 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final clash between India and Australia.
When not working, he enjoys reading fiction and watching his favorite TV show, *Grey’s Anatomy*.
—
*Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on the Mega-Auction and cricket news.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-he-will-go-one-fast-bowler-less-former-coach-s-huge-prediction-team-india-s-playing-11-aus-vs-ind-2025-2nd-odi
