Michael Clarke called Kuldeep Yadav the best spinner in the world ahead of India’s first ODI against West Indies. Kuldeep then took 4/40 in Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September and won Player of the Match.
Clarke’s point was not only about skill. He said Kuldeep is not getting enough chances, and the match showed what India lose when he sits out.
What the scorecard does not show is the price a dressing room pays for its “safe” No. 8, and that price is paid in middle-over wickets.
“I really like Kuldeep Yadav. I think he is the best spinner in the world at the moment, but he’s not getting enough opportunity in my opinion.”
Michael Clarke, Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, September 2026
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Justin Greaves and John Campbell put on 135 for the first wicket. Kuldeep broke the stand by removing Campbell, then took three more as West Indies slid from 176/1 to 198/5.
He finished with four of the first five wickets: Campbell, Shai Hope, Greaves and Jewel Andrew. Amir Jangoo’s 58 off 43 took West Indies to 295/7. Shubman Gill (110) and Virat Kohli (139*) chased it in 41.4 overs for an eight-wicket win.
This was Kuldeep’s ODI comeback. He sat on the bench for the whole of India’s previous ODI series in England, where Washington Sundar was picked for batting depth.
Kuldeep was seventh in the ICC ODI bowling rankings at the time, the only Indian in the top 15. Being left out is not new for him, as the Lord’s snub showed, and the debate over whether he has been backed enough keeps returning.
“I think personally I liked my rhythm, to be very honest. I was very calm in my rhythm and just trying to bowl whatever I felt like bowling, just varying the pace.”
Kuldeep Yadav, post-match presentation, 27 September 2026
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Team management always wants a batter at No. 8 for safety. But in chasing that safety, a side forgets how to take wickets in the middle overs, which is where one-day games are won and lost.
West Indies were 176/1 and set for a big total. Kuldeep’s spell turned it into 198/5, and they finished on 295. When you pick a “safe” bowler for batting depth, these match-turning wickets are exactly what you give up.
Kuldeep’s World Cup Case
“Kuldeep Yadav will do wonders if he continues this form over the course of the next year or so. If he does, he’ll seal his spot for next year’s World Cup.”
Abhinav Mukund, reacting to the first ODI, September 2026
The second ODI is in Guwahati on 30 September.
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