Former Team Indiapacer Madan Lal has advocated Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the Men in Blue’s playing XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 to be played in the T20 International (T20I) format from September
9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kuldeep has got a place in India’s 15 members squad for the continental tournament and his responsibility will be to support Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy to bolster India’s spin-bowling unit. Kuldeep was a part of India’s campaign for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 as well but didn’t get a chance in the playing XI.
India’s World Cup 1983 hero Madan Lal feels Kuldeep should be given a chance in the Asia Cup as the 30-year-old’s bowling style makes batters’ job difficult in the shortest form of the sport. "Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team due to his unique bowling style, which is difficult to counter in T20 cricket, though the final decision depends on the wicket conditions and team combination. Two spinners and three pace bowlers should be included in Dubai," remarked Madan Lal in his conversation with ANI.
Kuldeep Yadav’s last T20I performance for India
Kuldeep Yadav played his last T20I match for India in June 2024, which was the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Bridgetown. In the famous win, he couldn’t take any wickets but in the tournament, his overall performance was more than decent. Appearing in five contests of the mega event, he grabbed 10 wickets at a frugal economy of 6.95.
This year, he played for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and claimed 15 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 7.07. In the upcoming continental competition, Kuldeep, along with Varun Chakaravarthy, will look to form a formidable spin-bowling duo and give a tough time to batters.
