Why former Indian star doesn’t want Kuldeep Yadav to play vs. Zimbabwe in must-win Super 8 clash

Chennai, India – With their T20 World Cup Super 8 campaign on life-support after a bruising defeat to South Africa, India will take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in a contest that has become a knockout in all but name. Yet, even as calls for reinforcements grow louder, former India opener Kris Srikkanth has made a compelling case against re-introducing wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the do-or-die encounter.

Speaking on the Cheeky Cheeka podcast, Srikkanth underlined his faith in the incumbent pace unit, anchored by Jasprit Bumrah and the in-form Arshdeep Singh. “Arshdeep is bowling well, Bumrah is bowling brilliantly, well supported by Hardik and Axar Patel,” he noted. “Why should they bring in Kuldeep Yadav? There is no chance. It will be a batting track in Chennai.”

The 63-year-old’s assessment hinges on conditions: he believes the Chepauk surface will favour seamers more than spin, negating the need for an extra specialist spinner. With India’s net run rate dented by the Proteas loss, a commanding win is imperative; Srikkanth argues continuity in the bowling attack offers the best route to a sizeable victory margin.

Srikkanth also floated tweaks to the batting order, projecting Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson to open alongside an undisclosed partner, pushing Ishan Kishan to No. 3. “Sanju Samson will come in for Rinku Singh and Axar Patel for Washington Sundar,” he added, signalling an intent-heavy approach designed to maximise scoring in the powerplay and beyond.

While the final XI remains the management’s prerogative, Srikkanth’s blueprint is unequivocal: back the seamers already delivering, inject batting firepower at the top, and resist the temptation of a second frontline spinner even in a must-win clash.

Whether India heed the 1983 World Cup winner’s advice will unfold under the Chennai floodlights, but the stakes—and the scrutiny—could scarcely be higher.