Ashwin: India Cannot Travel to South Africa for the World Cup Without Kuldeep

R Ashwin has argued that India cannot go to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa without Kuldeep Yadav, and rejects the idea that the spinner’s latest performance was a comeback.

The spell in Thiruvananthapuram

Kuldeep was Player of the Match in India’s eight-wicket win in the first ODI on September 27, 2026, finishing with 4/40 from 10 overs. West Indies had reached 135 without loss in the 20th over, but he took four of the first five wickets to fall: John Campbell, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Jewel Andrew. The visitors ended on 295/7.

India then chased the target, with Virat Kohli unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls.

Ashwin’s view

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said to forget the four wickets, since Kuldeep has almost 200 wickets and has long been a champion spinner. He insisted Kuldeep was a very good bowler, is one now and will remain one.

Kuldeep travelled with India for the three-match ODI series in England earlier in 2026 but did not play. Ashwin praised his decision to play County cricket, saying he was pleased it helped the spinner find rhythm and take wickets. Being Kuldeep is not easy, he said, but the rhythm on show was encouraging. He added that the West Indies batting gave Kuldeep a chance to show his skill.

What next

The display has added to the debate over Kuldeep’s place in India’s ODI plans, although final squad selection is still some way off. India were due to face the West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30.