Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned Kuldeep Yadav’s absence for the second Test match against England. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Yadav was expected to be India’s wicket-taking option but the team think was more concerned about strengthening their batting unit.

Washington Sundar was backed ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. India has played three all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar in the second Test.

Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 and thus his absence has left many experts shocked.

“What are we doing with Kuldeep Yadav? He made his debut in 2017, picked up four wickets in the first match, and was dropped after that. Then he played the Sydney Test, and Ravi bhai (Shastri) said he is our No. 1 overseas spinner, and all of that. After that, he didn’t play for two years. Then, when he got a chance to play, he gave a Player of the Match performance in Bangladesh, but was dropped for the next match,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Finally, when he played a few consecutive Tests against England in 2024, he did well and scored runs too. Earlier, there used to be talk about a place not getting created for Kuldeep as Ashwin and Jaddu had to be played together. Then, when there was a chance to play him, you say you can’t play him as you need Washi’s batting. If you have played him only 13 matches in eight years from 2017 to 2025, why do you take him at all?” he added.

The renowned commentator highlighted that India’s think tank are thinking about scoring a few extra runs and not about taking 20 wickets.

“He is bowling the best that he has ever bowled. You have to pick up 20 wickets, but you are not thinking about that. You are thinking about scoring a few more runs. We did exactly the same thing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kuldeep has been dropped more than he has played,” he said.

Chopra said Kuldeep might look to bat high up the order while playing for Uttar Pradesh and Delhi Capitals.

“So, what does Kuldeep need to do? Should Kuldeep start batting, start playing as an opener for UP, and ask the Delhi Capitals to make him bat at No. 4? He can bat, but is he supposed to bat? Is batting his primary duty? What we are doing with Kuldeep Yadav is a mystery to me. Tell the kid that you are not going to play him,” Chopra observed.

India ended the opening day’s play at 310-5.