Team India’s white-ball tour of Australia began on a somber note on October 19, when rain reduced the first ODI in Perth to just 26 overs a side. Despite putting up a modest total of 136/9, the Indian team was outclassed by Australia, who chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets.
The performance was a collective failure with the bat. Apart from KL Rahul, none of the top-order batsmen managed to make a significant impact, leaving the team in a difficult position. However, the most talked-about aspect of the match was India’s controversial team selection. A decision that raised many eyebrows was the exclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was notably missing from the playing XI despite being one of India’s standout performers during the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Mohammad Kaif Critiques India’s Selection Strategy
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif was quick to question India’s decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav out of the side. Kaif expressed his disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity to include a genuine wicket-taker like Kuldeep, who could have made a significant impact on the Australian conditions.
“It was a test of Shubman Gill as captain too. He didn’t pick Kuldeep, a genuine wicket-taker. You tried to cover every base but missed the key element. Shane Warne thrived in Australia across formats. I was disappointed Kuldeep didn’t play. Kuhnemann got two wickets, and by leaving Kuldeep out, India chose quantity over quality,” Kaif said.
Kuldeep’s absence was felt as Australia cruised through their chase, with the Indian bowlers failing to make a breakthrough. This strategic misstep, coupled with a lack of firepower in the bowling attack, was a major talking point in post-match analyses.
Bowling Concerns and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Debut
While the batting failure was a key issue, the bowling performance was no less concerning. India managed to take only three wickets in the 26 overs, despite a pitch that appeared to offer some assistance to seamers. Kaif took aim at debutant all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who bowled just 2.1 overs, conceding 16 runs without taking a wicket.
“In this team, there were too many part-time options. Nitish Reddy is not a complete bowler, and even Sundar struggled to make an impact on this pitch. Harshit Rana would be disappointed too. The bowlers had a chance to turn the game around, even with a low total,” Kaif commented, adding that the lack of depth and quality in the bowling attack hurt India’s chances.
Kaif also emphasized the need for more responsibility from the bowlers, particularly when key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami aren’t in the lineup. “You can’t expect to win only when Bumrah or Shami are playing,” he stated.
