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Irfan Pathan Questions India's Kuldeep Snub Amid Australia's Cooper Connolly Rise

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed strong disappointment over India's decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav in the must-win ODI against Australia. He suggested the outcome might have been different with Kuldeep's inclusion in the bowling attack. Pathan also praised Australia's young all-rounder Cooper Connolly for his composed match-winning innings of 61 not out. The criticism comes after India's batting struggles and Australia securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead in Adelaide.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Criticizes India Kuldeep Yadav Omission in Australia ODI

  • Pathan questions India's decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav in crucial ODI
  • Highlights Australia's Cooper Connolly as future star after unbeaten 61
  • India's batting collapse with early powerplay wickets proves costly
  • Australia's Adam Zampa claims Player of Match with four-wicket haul
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Irfan Pathan questions India's decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav, praises Australia's Cooper Connolly

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan questions team selection after Australia's series win, praises Cooper Connolly's match-winning performance in Adelaide ODI.

"Kuldeep Yadav was a must for this game. Things could have been different had he been there. - Irfan Pathan"

Adelaide, October 23

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his disappointment after India opted to leave out left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the must-win ODI against Australia in Adelaide. India's bowling attack struggled to make breakthroughs as Australia chased down the target of 265, sealing the series.

Taking to his X handle, Pathan said, "Kuldeep Yadav was a must for this game. Things could have been different had he been there, but the onus is on batters to score more runs. Losing two wickets in the powerplay regularly won't help the cause. Cooper Connolly is surely the one for the future for Australia."

https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1981327375435780293

Pathan's comments came after India once again failed to post a strong total, losing early wickets that put them on the back foot. His remarks also highlighted the importance of variety in India's bowling attack, with Kuldeep's absence proving costly.

Meanwhile, Pathan lauded Australia's young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who showcased remarkable composure under pressure. The 22-year-old scored an unbeaten 61 off 53 balls, striking five boundaries and a six, to guide his side home in style.

As India looks to bounce back in Sydney, questions over team selection and the decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav are likely to persist, especially after yet another crucial defeat in a high-stakes encounter.

Coming to the match, Australia, leading by 1-0, put India to bat first. Rohit and Shubman Gill started off cautiously, but Xaiver Bartlett (3/39) reduced India to 17/2, with quick wickets of Gill (9) and Virat (0).

Rohit put on an innings-saving 118-run stand with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer (61 in 77 balls, with seven fours). Axar also played a vital 44 in 41 balls, with five fours, continuing his fine run at number five. However, Adam Zampa (4/60) reduced India to 226/8.

A final flourish from Harshit Rana (24* in 18 balls, with three fours) and Arshdeep Singh (13) saw them add 37 runs for the ninth wicket and India ended their innings at 264/9.

During the run-chase, Australia was reduced to 54/2, but contributions from Matt Short (74 in 78 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes), Cooper Connolly (61* in 53 balls, with five fours and a six) and Mitchell Owen (36 in 23 balls, with two fours and three sixes) always kept Australia in good position even though Washington Sundar (2/37), Arshdeep (2/41) and Harshit (2/59) produced some breakthroughs in between.

Zampa earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his four-fer. Aussies have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Australian cricket fan living in India, I must say Cooper Connolly was brilliant! But I agree with Pathan - India missed Kuldeep's variety. The batting collapse in powerplay was the real issue though.
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Priya S
Why bench our best spinner in a must-win match? Team selection has been questionable for a while now. Hope they learn from this defeat and come back stronger in Sydney! 🇮🇳
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Michael C
While I respect Irfan's opinion, let's not forget our batters failed again. 264 was never going to be enough against Australia at home. The problem starts with our top order collapsing regularly.
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Ananya R
Cooper Connolly played like a seasoned pro! So much composure for a 22-year-old. Our young players should learn from him. But yes, missing Kuldeep was a big mistake - his wrist spin would have troubled the Aussies. 🤔
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Vikram M
Same old story - poor team selection and batting failures. When will we get our combinations right? Kuldeep has been our match-winner in recent times. Baffling decision to drop him! 😞
K
Kavya N
Honestly, we need to stop blaming just one selection. The entire team needs to step up. Yes, Kuldeep should have played, but our batting has been inconsistent throughout

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