Is Kuldeep Yadav Dropped For IND vs AFG 3rd ODI? Know Why He is Left Out

India's premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been left out of the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. Kuldeep has been a key part of India's bowling line-up in ODIs and his absence was surprising.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first on a hot afternoon in Chennai. India made three changes in the playing 11 with Kuldeep Yadav's absence being one of them.

Why Kuldeep Yadav is Not Playing in IND vs AFG 3rd ODI?

India's captain Shubman Gill announced about the three changes at the toss during the IND vs AFG 3rd ODI match. KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, who were a part of the 2nd ODI, miss out this time.

However, Gill did not announce the reason for Kuldeep's absence and it seems that India have rested him for this match. The Men in Blue have tried different combinations, as promised before the series, which means that Kuldeep will have to sit out.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey has been included as Kuldeep Yadav replacement at Chennai. With Dubey playing, India's batting order has strengthened and they have players who can bat till No. 8.

Dubey made his ODI debut in the first match of the series, when he picked up 3-47 in a rain-curtailed game. He has the ability to contibute with the bat lower down the order, which makes India's batting line-up strong for this game.

Kuldeep Yadav Unfortunate in 2nd ODI

After being left out of the 1st ODI, Kuldeep Yadav played in the second match, where he remained wicketless. The left-arm wristspinner bowled well and finished with 0-42 in 10 overs.

Being one of the best ODI bowlers at the moment, Kuldeep will be crucial in India's plans for the ODI World Cup 2027. He is highly experienced in the ODI format and can be an X-factor in this tournament.

Meanwhile, India have shown in this series why they are one of the best cricket teams in the world. The Men in Blue have already sealed the series 2-0, winning both the matches comfortably in the end.