India’s star spinner Kuldeep Yadav may be seen playing in the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney.
Cricket expert Aakash Chopra has claimed that Kuldeep may get a chance in the playing eleven this time.
This decisive match between India and Australia will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25th.
Kuldeep will get a chance, likely to replace a pacer
Kuldeep Yadav, considered one of the world’s top spinners, has been on the bench so far in this series. India selected Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as spinners in the first two ODIs. However, after losing the series, the team management may now give Kuldeep a chance.
Aakash Chopra said in his post, “Kuldeep likely to play at Sydney. Perhaps, a slightly spin-friendly surface…could easily come in for a pacer. Given the batting performance in the first two ODIs, I’m not expecting the team to drop a batsman for a bowler. Very unlikely. #AusvInd.”
This means the Sydney pitch could be helpful for spinners, and Kuldeep could replace a pacer.
Kuldeep’s recent form has been excellent. He took 17 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 and 12 in the Test series against the West Indies.
Nevertheless, the Indian team, coached by Gautam Gambhir, prioritized all-rounders, forcing Kuldeep to sit out.
Aakash Chopra believes batting depth is essential
Aakash Chopra also said that in modern ODI cricket, batting depth up to number 8 is essential. Many experts believe that India should not sacrifice its best bowlers for the sake of batting depth.
But Chopra disagrees. In his X post, he wrote, “It’s all fine to say if 7 batters aren’t enough, 8 won’t make a difference either. But let’s be honest—modern-day white-ball cricket demands some sort of batting ability at 8. It becomes even more difficult to field only 7 batters if the batting form of many is a concern, plus if the pitches are more bowler-friendly!!”
This means that if the top batsmen are out of form and the pitch is helpful for bowlers, batting depth up to number 8 becomes essential.
This match could be a big opportunity for Kuldeep. If the Sydney pitch favors spinners, Kuldeep could trouble the Australian batsmen with his spin.
