Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund is optimistic that Kuldeep Yadav would be able to seal his place for the next year’s ODI World Cup as India’s frontline spinner. Yadav has been in and out of the team on a regular basis, thus creating doubts on his selection.
However, Kuldeep returned with impressive figures of 4-40 in his quota of 10 overs and was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the opening ODI against the West Indies on Sunday. He accounted for John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope and Jewel Andrew to put the visitors under the pump.
The visitors were looking all set to post 350 runs on the board but Kuldeep was able to turn a corner. Thus, Yadav was awarded Player of the Match after India registered an eight-wicket win.
Abhinav Mukund said on his Instagram handle, “The massive positive for India is the re-emergence of Kuldeep Yadav. Yes, India will have Axar Patel and Washington Sundar coming back. But who’s their specialist spinner for South Africa? Kuldeep Yadav will do wonders if he continues this form over the course of the next year or so. If he does, he’ll seal his spot for next year’s World Cup.”
Mukund further highlighted that India are still trying to unlock their best combination and thus gave ODI debut cap to Naman Dhir.
“For the ODI World Cup, India are still trying to lock in their best combination. With that combination in mind, India are trying a few options. Hence, Naman Dhir made his debut and bowled a few overs,” said Mukund (via the aforementioned source).
Dhir returned with figures of 0-33 in five overs he bowled but didn’t get a chance to bat.
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
