IND vs PAK: Kuldeep Yadav Exclusion 'Illogical' - Indian Fans Unhappy with Rohit Sharma's Team Selection in Crucial T20 World Cup 2024 Match

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IND vs PAK: Fans have expressed strong disagreement with India's playing eleven for the crucial T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan, particularly criticising the exclusion of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Also read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup | Most Wickets | Most Sixes | Complete Points Table

Given his impressive track record against Pakistan and his effectiveness against Babar Azam, many feel that Kuldeep's presence in the team was essential.

Despite these sentiments, Rohit Sharma opted to retain the same squad from India's previous match against Ireland. He prioritised batting strength on a New York surface that has posed challenges for batters.

The decision saw all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel included in the lineup, while Kuldeep Yadav was left out. To compound the situation, India lost the toss, and Pakistan chose to bowl first on a damp pitch, made wet by rain prior to the match.

The fan reactions on social media were swift and pointed. One fan tweeted, "Team India is playing with the same XI. Kuldeep Yadav should have been there," reflecting a widely held sentiment.

A Pakistani fan acknowledged Kuldeep's impressive record against Babar Azam, tweeting, "Kuldeep v Babar will have to wait in T20s. India - not enticed by the wrist spinner's terrific record against Babar - are fielding the same line-up."

Another Indian supporter expressed frustration over the perceived defensive approach, stating, "Far too defensive. No way Kuldeep doesn't make it to our best T20 side..."

Criticism continued with a fan questioning the selection logic, "Failed to understand why Kuldeep Yadav is sitting outside. Is Axar more lethal bowler than him? If no, he is good batter but if we have to rely on his battling, means our team would have in deep trouble and chance would be slim to win."

The sentiment of Kuldeep being a missed opportunity was echoed by another fan, who wrote, "Kuldeep Yadav is a mystery bowler, and Pakistan struggles against him, with Babar Azam falling to him multiple times. Yet, our coach and captain are benching him to play it safe and get an extra batter. It's illogical to exclude Kuldeep, and I hope it doesn't cost us the game."

Further emphasizing the point, a fan remarked, "Another reminder whatever the wicket or the conditions is it doesn't justify the Kuldeep drop, he's good enough for every single track in this world."

Finally, another cricket enthusiast suggested, "I think more for the fast bowling but you need one proper spinner in your team and seeing Kuldeep's history against Pakistan, it wouldn't have been a bad idea to play him today in place of one of Axar and Jadeja or even Dube."

Overall, the consensus among fans was clear: Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion from the playing eleven was a missed strategic opportunity, potentially risking India's chances in this high-stakes encounter.