Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged team management to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the final ODI against Australia in Sydney, stressing that the left-arm wrist-spinner could pose a fresh challenge to the Australian batters. Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin pointed out that while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have taken wickets, India’s main issue has been their inability to make consistent breakthroughs.

He highlighted that several Australian players have little or no experience facing Kuldeep. “Think about it—has Cooper Connolly ever faced Kuldeep? Matthew Short, maybe here and there. Alex Carey has faced him but struggled. Mitchell Owen hasn’t played against him at all,” Ashwin explained, suggesting that Kuldeep’s mystery spin could unsettle the hosts.

“This Australian batting lineup hasn’t seen Kuldeep before. Historically, everyone who faces him early on struggles. So leaving him out isn’t the wisest call. I hope he gets a game in Sydney,” Ashwin added.

India, trailing 0-2 in the series, will aim to avoid a whitewash after suffering back-to-back defeats in Adelaide and Melbourne. With Harshit Rana impressing but India still seeking more attacking options, Ashwin believes Kuldeep’s inclusion could provide the much-needed wicket-taking edge in the final match. (With inputs from Agencies)