Indian cricket management faces criticism over player selection

Former Indian cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammad Kaif have criticized the Indian team management and selectors regarding player selection and handling of talent.

Ashwin expressed strong disappointment over the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. He argued that Jaiswal, a prolific run-scorer, is being denied vital game time that could be utilized during matches where regular players like Shubman Gill are rested. Ashwin warned that this lack of opportunity could “ruin his confidence” at a critical stage of his development ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Additionally, Ashwin and Kaif addressed management decisions during the T20I series against the West Indies. Ashwin criticized the decision to omit spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the fourth T20I, suggesting his presence could have made a significant difference. Kaif also highlighted an overdependence on Jasprit Bumrah and criticized the tendency to drop rookie bowlers too quickly rather than providing them with consistent backing to build experience.