“We don’t want to expose him a lot” – Rohit Sharma talks on resting Kuldeep Yadav’s for Australia ODIs ahead of ODI World Cup 2023.

In a strategic move aimed at safeguarding their premier wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, who recently earned the prestigious Player-of-the-Series award at the Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team management has decided to rest him for the first two ODIs against Australia.

Kuldeep’s outstanding performance in the Asia Cup, where he secured an impressive total of nine wickets in five matches at an average of 11.44 and an economy rate of 3.61, has unquestionably solidified his position as a vital asset for the Indian team.

His exceptional feats included a remarkable five-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan, making a substantial contribution to India’s commanding 228-run victory. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin mastery continued to shine as he captured four crucial wickets in a spirited defense of a modest 213-run target against Sri Lanka.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma shed light on the decision to rest the left-arm spinner for the initial encounters against Australia, emphasizing the importance of preserving his form and fitness for ICC World Cup 2023.

Rohit Sharma said “We have been looking at Kuldeep for the last one, one and a half years, this is why we don’t want to expose him a lot. He is coming back for the last match. There are a lot of reasons. This is the best decision for us, to have him sit out for two games and play the third. We also have two practice matches (before the World Cup opener), so for the bowling rhythm, he will be back in it.”