Former great points out Kuldeep Yadav snub as India’s missed chance in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes India could have clinched the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 had the Gautam Gambhir-coached team management not made a crucial selection error.

According to Clarke, leaving out left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI across all five Tests against England cost India the chance to take 20 wickets and secure the series win. Instead, the hosts opted for spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, ultimately drawing the series 2-2.

Kuldeep, who debuted in March 2017 against Australia, has played just 13 Tests for India, taking 56 wickets at an impressive average of 22.16. Despite his strong record, he has frequently been overlooked due to the dominance of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja in the side. Even after Ashwin’s retirement, many expected Kuldeep to feature regularly, but he continues to wait for consistent opportunities.

In a recent interaction, Clarke said Kuldeep’s presence could have been a “game-changer” for India, while also commending Jadeja and Sundar for their all-round contributions.

“The talk around Kuldeep Yadav doesn’t change. He didn’t play a part in the series, but I think he could have helped India take 20 wickets. That said, you can’t take anything away from Sundar and Jadeja. With the bat and the ball, they’ve been exceptional. Their impact in this series fully justified their selection,” Clarke remarked.