'What wrong has he done? I feel sorry for him' - Ashwin backs Kuldeep after Sri Lanka tour

Kuldeep Yadav did not feature in India's second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club from August 23 after a difficult showing in the series opener at Galle. The left-arm wrist-spinner took just one wicket from 25 overs across both innings of the first Test, which India won to lead the two-match series 1-0. The BCCI cited a viral illness as the reason for Kuldeep's unavailability for selection in Colombo, stating that he had not fully recovered from the infection.

Ravichandran Ashwin has now questioned the decision to leave out Kuldeep, expressing concern about the impact on the spinner's confidence. Speaking about the situation, Ashwin highlighted the difficulty of Kuldeep's position within the team structure and the challenges he faces in securing regular opportunities at the Test level.

"Many people are supporting Kuldeep Yadav but many are also against saying what did he do in the last match? It is very difficult to understand. From a player's perspective, his confidence is at the lowest at this point. If you go underground and search also you will not find it. From 60th to 80th over, Jadeja bowls a lot." Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"Why does he bowl a lot there? It is difficult to score runs. That is what they say, but it is also difficult to operate for a spinner. Even an extra spell is not extended and it is so unlucky. With tailenders batting with Dinusha, if Kuldeep was there with his googly and leg break, there would have been some X factor. What wrong has he done? Why is he not getting picked? I really feel sorry for him," he added.

Ashwin argued that India should have shown greater faith in Kuldeep following the first Test victory. He contended that the outcome of the Galle match should not have dictated the selection call for Colombo, as the two Tests represented separate contests with their own demands and opportunities.

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In the Colombo Test, Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja combined for 10 wickets in the match, taking on the primary spin-bowling responsibilities. Saransh Jain, who made his debut, picked up three wickets in two innings. Ashwin reflected on the broader tactical approach, suggesting that Kuldeep's absence meant India missed the potential value of his googly and leg-break variations in specific match situations.

"They will make him play the next Test (next series) now. But two mistakes does not make one right. The first Test had nothing to do with the second. You had already won the first Test so you could have backed him. I am just not able to accept it," Ashwin said.