IND vs AUS: Srikanth Takes Veiled 'Dig' At Gautam Gambhir, Bats For Kuldeep Yadav's Exclusion In 2nd ODI

IND vs AUS: Former India chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has made an indirect dig at India head coach and team management for snubbing Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI in the first ODI at Perth between India and Australia. On Sunday, a restless Indian side were outclassed by Australia in all departments.

In a rain-truncated match in Perth, India's top order was bounced out by the Australian attack at the Optus Stadium in Perth as they posted a mere 136/9 in 26 overs. In response, Australia played without any pressure by the Indian bowlers as they finished the match inside 22 overs.

Srikkanth from his official YouTube channel stated that spinners were effective for both sides as left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann claimed two wickets with a better economy.

Srikkanth also noted that India's Axar Patel and Washington Sundar too picked up a wicket each. He also questioned why Kuldeep couldn't make the playing XI.

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“Who gave them crucial breakthroughs apart from Starc and Hazelwood? It was Kuhnemann. Axar also took an important wicket for us. The spinners had done a good job," Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“They would always do a better job. Wrist-spinners are potential match winners. I didn’t understand the logic behind why they dropped Kuldeep. I would still play Kuldeep, Washington and Axar," Srikkanth said.

"Spinners will do a better job in these conditions than medium pacers," the former India cricketer added.

He also stated that Team India should have banked upon Kuldeep's rich form across formats.

“He is bowling so well in Tests; he bowled so well in the Asia Cup. He has played well in T20s and you say things like on Australian wickets, the ball doesn’t turn, so we aren’t playing Kuldeep Yadav," Srikkanth said.

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“It is a dangerous statement and I don’t understand this. Forget the combination and eight batters. Go for the best players and the best team. How many runs can a number eight batter get you anyway?" Srikkanth questioned.