Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been backing Kuldeep Yadav for a long time, has made another bold statement on the spinner after the first ODI against the West Indies. The Men in Blue won the series opener by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The visitors scored 295/7 in 50 overs, with Kuldeep taking four wickets, including a double-wicket maiden. While fans and cricket experts feel Kuldeep made a comeback, Ashwin is not in favour of the perception, as the Yadav has always been a match-winner.

He lauded Kuldeep for competing in County cricket to be among the wickets. Ashwin wants the selectors to keep the 31-year-old in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“Forget about four wickets. Many people are saying that it was his comeback, which is wrong. He has almost taken 200 wickets and has been a champion bowler. We cannot go to South Africa without Kuldeep Yadav. He was a good bowler, he is a good bowler, and he will continue to be a good bowler.

I will not accept anything else. The current West Indies batting unit is no match for Kuldeep Yadav’s skills. I am happy that he played County cricket, claimed wickets, and you can see the results. It is not easy to be Kuldeep Yadav, and I am happy with his rhythm,” said Ashwin.

In 122 one-day internationals, he has picked up 198 wickets at an average of 26.70 and an economy rate of 5.06.

Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Kuldeep Yadav must represent India in the 2027 ODI World Cup

R Ashwin wants to see Kuldeep Yadav in action in the 2027 World Cup. According to him, the spinner should be the first choice as he is the number one bowler of the Indian National Cricket Team at the moment.

“There is no guarantee of failure or success. But given his performances and credentials, Kuldeep should be a part of the starting XI. He can be impactful in the middle overs. He is the number one spinner, and he is proving himself. Even if Varun (Chakravarthy) is fit, Kuldeep will be my first choice. If there is too much help for the fast bowlers in South Africa, then you change the combination. But I don’t see a reason why he shouldn’t be a part of the team,” he said.

Kuldeep Yadav has played eight ODIs in South Africa and picked up 18 wickets at an average of 15.94 and an economy of 4.66.