Rohit Sharma's Game Plan: The Inside Story of Resting Kuldeep Yadav Against Australia

India captain Rohit Sharma explained his decision to rest Kuldeep Yadav for the first two ODIs against Australia, saying he wanted to "protect" the star wrist-spinner as much as possible ahead of the ODI World Cup. Notably, Kuldeep is among the select few stars who were rested for the first two ODIs and will return to the squad for the third ODI against Australia. Kuldeep managed to take nine wickets in five ASI Cup matches at an impressive average of 11.44 and an economy bowling rate of 3.61 and was awarded the Man of the Tournament.

Kuldeep produced back-to-back match-winning performances in the Asia Cup Super 4: firstly, a remarkable five-wicket haul against Pakistan, contributing significantly to India's mammoth 228-run win, and secondly, his crucial four-wicket haul in India's win. Set a modest target of 213 runs against Sri Lanka. Kuldeep's exceptional control and varied range of bowling skills won praise from both field coaches and experts.

"Kuldeep is a rhythm bowler, we all know that. But we thought about a lot of things and took this decision. His bowling is going well, as Ajit [Agarkar] said, we had to give players a chance, especially those who Played only one match in the Asia Cup and is in the World Cup squad," Indian captain Rohit Sharma told a press conference.

"We have been watching Kuldeep for the last one, one-and-a-half years. That's why we don't want to expose him too much. He is coming back in the last match. There are many reasons. This is the best decision for us, to sit him out for two matches and Playing the third match. We also have two practice matches [before the World Cup opener], so for the bowling rhythm, he will get back into it," added Rohit.

Agarkar, who collaborated with Kuldeep during his time at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, had recently highlighted the qualities that make Kuldeep an essential component of India's World Cup aspirations. He emphasized the transformative power of "belief and conviction" to strengthen the bowler's state of mind.

"I spent two years with him, he is a person who has a special skill. Every player needs to show confidence, to be given some confidence, which the team management has done and it is showing on the field. Against different situations and opposition. , he's one of the trump cards for the team. I'm happy and excited about what he's doing. Obviously, most of the teams coming up against him see him as a challenge, and where he's at, we're excited for what's next, Agarkar said.