Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel has backed Kuldeep Yadav to feature in the third ODI against Australia. India suffered a two-wicket loss against Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on Thursday.
India played the same playing XI as they continued backing the all-rounder trio of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Patel said India needs to trust their batting unit in the third game of the series.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep has been in fine form as he had scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches against the West Indies after taking 17 wickets in the Asia Cup.
Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports, “We will definitely see Kuldeep Yadav playing in the third ODI. As far as the combination is concerned, India will have to trust their top order, whether it’s about performance or runs and stick with the right balance. There’s no need for an extra cushion in batting.
Patel said Kuldeep can provide the crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs for India.
“Kuldeep Yadav can provide those crucial wickets in the middle overs that India has been missing. If your top-order batters get out early, that’s part of the game. You can’t keep adding more batters to cover for that. The focus should be on playing the best combination to win,” the former India stumper added.
On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron said Kuldeep should have been part of the playing XI from the first game.
“Kuldeep Yadav should have been part of the playing XI right from the first game of the series. You might have to sacrifice a batsman to make that happen, but it’s worth it. Playing just two fast bowlers in Australia isn’t ideal, but Kuldeep is someone who can get you wickets and those wickets make up for the runs you might lose by playing one batter fewer.
“At the moment, India seem to be relying on batters making mistakes to get wickets, whereas Kuldeep is a genuine wicket-taker who can create those breakthroughs on his own,” Aaron concluded.
The third and final ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
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