Sydney Surprise: India Hands Spin Duties to Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna Steps In for Arshdeep

India Makes Bold Switch Ahead of Sydney

India turning their bowling attack on its head for the third ODI against Australia is indeed a very brave decision. Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion brings in a pure wrist-spinner, while Prasidh Krishna takes over the fast bowling duties from Arshdeep Singh. The intent of the move: to energize the attack with more fast bowling options, and to keep the opposition guessing.

What Prompted the Change?

Everybody was wondering why Kuldeep wasn’t given a game and that too when he was bowling so well. Now with the series being in Australia’s favor, India’s management has chosen to ignore the short-term results. The move not only tests the team’s strength and flexibility, but also shows that they are thinking ahead while giving Kuldeep a chance to show off his skills in Australia’s wickets.

Kuldeep’s Comeback Spin Story

Kuldeep as a left-arm wrist-spinner is one of the very few who can confuse the batsmen. He is very good at his line and length, enticing the batsmen with his flight and he has a brilliant talent for picking middle over wickets which makes him a very lethal weapon. His comeback is not just logical - it is sentimental. The bounce and turn of the Sydney pitch might work out very well for him thus transforming him a most important wrist-spin specialist to keep an eye on.

Prasidh’s Power Play

India pushing for more pace and aggression in its attack is the message loud and clear with a decision to replace Arshdeep Singh, with Prasidh Krishna. Prasidh is able to generate very good pace from his high-point of delivery and if it is combined with bounce and even sharp seam movement, it can provide India with real advantage on the pitches that have some life in them. The management's goal here is to observe the manner in which he accords with the veteran bowlers and how he handles the finishing overs while executing his plan.

Team Morale and the Bigger Picture

After being defeated in the first two games, India’s immediate focus should be on bouncing back as they have done before, however, this moment is equally critical for not losing sight of the long-term plans. This game is not so much about the scoreboard as it is about regaining the flow, trying out different player combinations, and gearing up a squad with self-belief for the upcoming phase of the India vs Australia rivalry.

Final Word

India’s Sydney shake-up is bolder than most and yet it is very much part of a well thought plan. By placing faith in the brilliance of Kuldeep Yadav and the fiery nature of Prasidh Krishna, the team conveys a very strong message of endurance that, they are never short of ideas even when they are ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trailing.