Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly criticized the Indian selectors following their decision not to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven for the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. His remarks have highlighted a growing concern over team selection strategies in Indian cricket.
Tharoor Questions Selector Decisions
During the match, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. India was in a precarious position, having lost the previous game in Perth, and needed to secure a victory to level the series before the final match in Sydney. The Indian lineup remained consistent, featuring three pacers and two spinners, with Nitish Reddy being the seam-bowling all-rounder.
Concerns Over Team Selection
Shashi Tharoor pointed out the irony in the selectors’ choice by referencing Australian player Xavier Bartlett. Bartlett took two key wickets in a single over, specifically against Indian stars Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, underscoring Tharoor’s claim that the selectors made an error in not including Yadav.
- Shashi Tharoor’s Statement: He expressed his discontent on social media, stating, “Xavier Bartlett took just four balls to show the Indian selectors the idiocy of their decision to leave out the most potent match-winner.”
- Australia’s Squad Changes: Australia made three changes, bringing in wicketkeeper Alex Carey, leg spinner Adam Zampa, and Xavier Bartlett. Players Josh Philippe, Matt Kuhnemann, and Nathan Ellis were dropped.
Conditions Favoring India
The pitch at Adelaide Oval is known for its suitability for batting and bears resemblance to typical subcontinent conditions. This aspect could potentially benefit India as they aim to recover from their prior defeat and keep their hopes alive in the three-match series.
As India faces Australia, the stakes are high. A win is vital for the Indian team to remain competitive and avoid losing the series before heading to Sydney for the concluding match. The selectors’ decisions and player performances will be under scrutiny as the match unfolds.
