The 31-year-old spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been benched for the last two games in the ongoing five-match T20I series. The wrist spinner played in the first two matches of the series and claimed three wickets. He also did well during the ODI series, claiming seven wickets.

Former India star Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the team management over the decision to bench Kuldeep.

“It is a bit of a surprising decision, on a ground which can give you some bounce. It hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for spinners, but the West Indies batters struggle against his googly and leg spin,” Ashwin said

He also added, “If Kuldeep is being left out against West Indies, then it lacks a bit of common sense. It is also surprising because his presence in the team could have made a difference of 15-20 runs.” Ashwin had a valid point since Gudakesh Motie did well in the two overs that he bowled in the second innings and grabbed two wickets.

“I was surprised Kuldeep wasn’t picked in Indore. I can understand that move since the ground is small. The issue is made out that the loss in Ranchi was his fault. It is wrong,” he mentioned.

Kuldeep has a good record in the T20I format, with 98 wickets from 56 games. The team management will be tempted to bring the spinner back into the XI for the final game in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The move could also backfire, with the ground being known as a graveyard for bowlers due to short boundaries and historical high scores.

Hanuma Vihari backs Abishek Sharma after losing in Hyderabad

Left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma scored 29 runs from 24 balls with three boundaries and a six before falling to Motie.

The opening batter was sent back to the dressing room while trying to hit the bowler over the top.

“Many people will say that we lost the game because of Abhishek, but I will not put it that way. He hardly faced any deliveries in the powerplay overs. So when you don’t find that rhythm, it becomes difficult for him to score boundaries in the middle overs. He struggled in the middle overs, which I feel is understandable, so there’s nothing he can be blamed for,” Vihari said.