“I would play Kuldeep Yadav”- Varun Aaron suggests one big change in India XI ahead of second ODI v Australia

Former India pacer Varun Aaron has backed Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in India's playing XI for the second ODI against Australia, which is set to take place on October 23 at Adelaide Oval, stating that the left-arm wrist-spinner provides the attacking threat that the team lacked in the first match in Perth. 

India lost the rain-affected first ODI thanks to a batting failure and Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, was left looking for wicket-taking options in the middle overs.

Aaron urged that Washington Sundar make way for Kuldeep, citing the necessity for additional wicket-taking alternatives in the middle overs.

"I would play Kuldeep Yadav in place of Washington Sundar. If you look at it, both Washington and Axar (Patel) are more defensive bowlers in white-ball cricket. They focus on building pressure rather than attacking," JioStar expert Aaron said.

He stated that Kuldeep is an invaluable asset, particularly when the seamers are not attacking, due to his inherent variations and turn-extra capabilities.

"Especially today, when the fast bowlers were done, India needed someone who could toss the ball up, extract some spin from the surface, or deceive the batter with the qualities that Kuldeep brings naturally. He's been sitting in the dugout for far too long, and we all know how effective he can be. I'd definitely play him instead of Washi (Washington),” he said.

‘India has five world-class batters’- Varun Aaron says India’s batting enables them to play extra spinner

Aaron further emphasized that India's deep batting lineup gives them the flexibility to pick an extra spinner.

"You don't need batting beyond number seven when your top order includes Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, five world-class batters capable of doing serious damage. It's time to put the onus on them and play the extra spinner, because at the end of the day, you have to take ten wickets to win matches," he added.

Kuldeep Yadav, who has played 113 ODIs, has claimed 181 wickets at an average of 26.7. Against Australia, he has an impressive record, having taken 31 wickets in 23 ODIs.

The second ODI will be played in Adelaide on October 23.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!