Why Kuldeep Yadav is Not Playing Today in IND vs USA T20 World Cup 2026?

Team India kicked off its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign while playing their first match of the tournament against the USA at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. USA skipper Monank Patel asked the Men in Blue to bat first and put up a total on the scoreboard.

Meanwhile, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced a surprising exclusion during the toss as star chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav wasn't included in the playing XI. It was a surprise since Kuldeep has been a key part of India's T20I team.

Why Kuldeep Yadav is Not Playing Today?

Kuldeep Yadav missed out on the IND vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 match as the team management decided to go with only two proper spinners, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy. Apart from them, the Men in Blue have gone with two specialist fast bowlers, who will be complemented by Pandya and Dube.

The reason behind Kuldeep's absence is nothing serious as the management might be trying a new team combination. On a Wankhede pitch that is likely to assist fast bowlers, the management has picked left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, one of the best spinners in the world, can be considered as Kuldeep Yadav replacement in the playing XI for this match.

Will India Miss Kuldeep Yadav in IND vs USA T20 World Cup Match?

Kuldeep Yadav has featured in 53 T20I matches for India, picking up 94 wickets at an average of 22.42, which makes him one of the best T20 bowlers. The spinner is close to the 100-wicket mark in T20Is, which will be a significant achievement in his career.

The wicket for the India vs USA match is favorable for the spinners with the USA bowlers getting a good amount of turn. India, who have the bowlers with better experience and skill, will be expected to do well if they are to stop their opponents to create an upset.

Talking about the match, the USA put India on the mat with a stunning bowling performance. The Men in Blue, who looked on course for a big total after being put into bat, are struggling with the captain Suryakumar Yadav holding the ship for his team.