Thiruvananthapuram: Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Kuldeep Yadav for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, insisting that the left-arm wrist-spinner should be an integral part of the squad for the tournament in South Africa.
Ashwin’s comments came after Kuldeep played a key role in India’s emphatic eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Kuldeep returned to the ODI side after a brief absence and immediately made an impact, claiming four wickets to earn the Player of the Match award.
The victory was also powered by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill as India comfortably chased down West Indies’ total of 295/7.
Ashwin sends clear message over Kuldeep
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dismissed the suggestion that Kuldeep’s performance should simply be viewed as a comeback. He pointed to the spinner’s established record in international cricket and backed him to feature in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.
“Forget the four wickets. Many people are saying this is his comeback. It is nothing like that. He has almost 200 wickets. He has been a champion spinner and we cannot go to South Africa without him,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s comments underline his view that Kuldeep’s value to the Indian ODI team extends beyond his latest four-wicket haul. The former India international also praised the spinner’s ability to maintain his effectiveness despite facing periods away from the playing XI.
Kuldeep’s return against West Indies provided an immediate reminder of his impact with the ball. His four-wicket haul helped India restrict the visitors to 295 despite Justin Greaves scoring a century.
‘He will continue to be a very good bowler’
Ashwin was emphatic in his assessment of Kuldeep’s ability and consistency. He said the spinner has already established himself as a high-quality bowler and rejected any suggestion that his current form should be treated as a temporary resurgence.
“He was a very good bowler, he is a very good bowler, and he will continue to be a very good bowler. I will not agree to anything otherwise,” Ashwin said.
The former India all-rounder also credited Kuldeep for making the most of his time playing County cricket. According to Ashwin, the experience of bowling regularly and picking up wickets has helped the spinner return with rhythm.
“But I am very happy that he went and played County cricket, picked wickets, and you can see the results again. Being Kuldeep is not easy, but the rhythm that he showed, I am very happy,” he added.
Ashwin also acknowledged the favourable matchup against the West Indies batting line-up but maintained that Kuldeep’s skill and ability remain significant factors.
Kuldeep makes immediate impact after ODI absence
Kuldeep had been out of India’s playing XI during the three-match ODI series against England in July. He subsequently featured in only one match during the T20I series against Afghanistan.
His return to the ODI side against West Indies was therefore closely watched, and he responded with a performance that had an immediate impact on the contest.
West Indies appeared to be on course for a sizeable total after Greaves completed his century. However, Kuldeep’s spell disrupted the visitors’ progress and helped India keep the target within manageable range.
India eventually completed the chase with eight wickets in hand. Kohli remained unbeaten on 139, while Gill also scored a century, giving the hosts a comfortable start to the ODI series.
Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his contribution with the ball.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill power India’s chase
West Indies opted to bat first and finished their 50 overs at 295/7. Greaves was the standout batter for the visitors, scoring a century and giving his team a competitive total.
India’s response was led by Kohli and Gill. Both batters reached three figures as India chased down the target without facing significant pressure.
Kohli’s unbeaten 139 was particularly notable and attracted widespread praise. His innings ensured that India remained firmly in control during the second half of the match.
Gill also contributed a century, combining with Kohli to take the game away from the West Indies bowling attack.
While the batters dominated the chase, Kuldeep’s earlier spell had helped create the conditions for India to pursue the target comfortably.
Kuldeep’s role could remain important ahead of 2027
The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India’s preparations for the tournament will involve assessing the balance of the squad across batting, pace bowling and spin.
Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin gives India a different bowling option and allows the team to attack batters through the middle overs. His ability to take wickets rather than simply contain runs can also make him an important part of India’s ODI plans.
Ashwin’s comments come at an early stage of the World Cup cycle, with considerable cricket still to be played before the tournament. Kuldeep will have further opportunities to establish his place through performances in the ongoing series and future ODI assignments.
For now, his four-wicket haul in Thiruvananthapuram has provided a strong start to his return.
India look to seal series advantage in Guwahati
The second ODI between India and West Indies will be played on Wednesday, September 30, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
India will enter the match with a 1-0 lead after their convincing victory in Thiruvananthapuram. The second game will give Kuldeep another opportunity to build on his successful return and strengthen his case for continued involvement in India’s ODI plans.
With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, performances across the next several months will play an important role in determining India’s eventual squad. Ashwin, however, has already made his position clear: he believes Kuldeep Yadav is a player India cannot afford to leave out of its plans for the tournament.