Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly questioned the team management's handling of Kuldeep Yadav, urging selectors and coaches to give the left-arm wrist spinner greater opportunities as India builds toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin made the remarks on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat' on 15 July, following India's six-wicket win over England at Edgbaston.

Ashwin's Case for Kuldeep

In the Edgbaston match, India opted for finger-spin bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar over Kuldeep — a selection call Ashwin challenged directly. 'In this Indian team, I will say this again. Both finger-spinning all-rounders will not fit into the combination for the 2027 World Cup. Whenever Kuldeep's place is made, and Harshit Rana is fit and firing, Harshit Rana becomes the third seamer,' Ashwin said.

'Then it opens up a slot for Kuldeep. Kuldeep should get more backing. In that World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav's bowling was very important. He is a match-winning spinner. He can bowl in any phase. He has a good record in South Africa,' he added.

Management Must Back Kuldeep's Confidence

Ashwin pressed further, arguing that consistent selection is key to building the spinner's mindset ahead of the marquee tournament. 'This management hasn't backed Kuldeep enough. They should back him more because he is a match-winner. If he has to get into the 2027 World Cup with the right mindset, they should keep giving him chances. He should be given a lot more confidence. I would love for India to play Kuldeep Yadav as the frontline spinner,' he said.

Shivam Dube: Last Resort, Not First Choice

With injuries sidelining Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Hardik Pandya, India has been trialling Shivam Dube as a seam-bowling all-rounder option. Ashwin welcomed Dube's recent contributions but was clear about his pecking order. 'If Shivam Dube is a serious contender for the 2027 ODI World Cup, I think we are in a little bit of a spot of bother. My first-choice all-rounder will always be Hardik. Second choice, Nitish Kumar Reddy,' he said.

'Whatever Shivam Dube did, I liked it. If Hardik is injured and Nitish is injured, then India should go to Shivam Dube. I liked the way they utilised him. He bowled six overs, which I really liked. He has bowled reasonably well. But he should be the last-choice all-rounder for ODI cricket,' Ashwin added.

Shubman Gill Praised as Future ODI Captain

Ashwin was effusive in his praise for skipper Shubman Gill, who top-scored with 80 before retiring hurt due to cramps at Edgbaston. 'The way he has captained and batted, I am very hopeful. Because India needs authority in the next generation of captains. Shubman Gill's batting has a lot of quality. He will handle it somehow. He has got a great journey ahead of him,' Ashwin said.

Ashwin also dismissed concerns about Gill's ability to perform in overseas conditions, noting his extensive experience across tours of Australia, South Africa, and England.

Gurnoor Brar Earmarked as Multi-Format Prospect

With India set to play the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, Ashwin highlighted young pacer Gurnoor Brar as an exciting prospect across formats — provided he is managed carefully. 'He is very impressive. He is a tall bowler. He has air speed. He will be expensive. This is his first tour, but he has raw material. He can be a real champion bowler for India. Not only in this format. He can bowl red-ball cricket. Highly impressive. Great future ahead,' Ashwin said, adding a cautionary note on workload management.

As India prepares for the Cardiff ODI, Ashwin's comments add to the public discourse on squad selection strategy — and whether the current approach is truly World Cup-ready.