Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician and well-known public figure, recently faced backlash for a tweet regarding the selection of the Indian cricket team for the second ODI against Australia. His criticism specifically targeted the omission of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, which he deemed a significant error on the part of the selectors.
Tharoor’s Criticism of Team Selection
On October 23, 2025, Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his opinion. He expressed discontent over Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from the playing XI, suggesting that the decision favored fast bowler Harshit Rana instead. Tharoor’s tweet highlighted the potential impact Kuldeep could have had in the match:
- Tharoor described Kuldeep Yadav as “the most potent match-winner” in the squad.
- He criticized the selectors for opting for a “journeyman pacer” like Rana.
Misunderstanding in Selection Critique
However, Tharoor’s argument was undermined by a critical oversight. He mistakenly referred to Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett as a spinner. This error quickly attracted attention, leading to a wave of responses from cricket fans who clarified Bartlett’s role:
- Xavier Bartlett is known for his capability as a fast bowler.
- His success in the game involves seam and swing bowling, not spin.
Tharoor’s tweet, while intended to critique the selectors, resulted in him being trolled by social media users. Fans highlighted the contradiction in his comments, differentiating between fast bowlers and spinners.
Public Reaction
The incident sparked a wider discussion about team selection and the role of social media in sports commentary. Many supporters of the Indian cricket team echoed Tharoor’s sentiments regarding the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav but criticized the mix-up involving Bartlett.
This episode has prompted a reflection on the responsibility public figures have when discussing sports, especially when the information presented can impact public opinion or lead to misunderstandings.
The ongoing dialogue about cricket team selections and the dynamics of social media underscores the importance of accuracy and comprehension in sports discussions.
