Kuldeep Yadav has been struggling in international cricket and has also been benched by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2021. Chinaman spinner was left to warm the bench and did not play even a single game in the first half of the tournament before it was suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19. It was shocking because he was not given the chance even in the Chennai leg for KKR. Fans want to know Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing in IPL 2021.
Another reason why Kuldeep is not playing for KKR is the availability of other spinners in the squad. KKR has found a replacement for Kuldeep Yadav in the form of Varun Chakravarthy who has been doing wonders for the team last season. Veteran Harbhajan Singh is also included in the squad. Another option is Shakib Al Hasan who has a strong hand because he is an all rounder.
Once regarded as the next best thing in Indian cricket, the formidable spin pair of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal has also lost its charm over the years. Famously known as ‘Kulcha’ the wrist spinners have found it difficult to make the cut together in India’s XI in white-ball cricket due to the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, who has been terrific with both the bat and the ball. Similarly, he is unable to find a place in KKR for IPL.
Kuldeep has so far played 7 Tests, 63 ODIs, and 21 T20Is in his international career with 26, 105, and 39 wickets in the three formats respectively. He is unlikely to make the cut in Team India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup due to lack of form.