Daijiworld Media Network- Dubai

Dubai, Sep 11: Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav once again showcased his match-winning prowess, picking up four wickets — including a sensational triple strike in a single over — as India crushed the United Arab Emirates in their opening Asia Cup 2025 encounter.

Despite his brilliance, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar could not resist pointing out the peculiar treatment meted out to Kuldeep over the years. Speaking on Sony Sports after the match, Manjrekar wryly remarked, “Now that Kuldeep Yadav has taken three wickets in one over, he will not play the next game, because that’s how India treats him.”

Manjrekar added with a hint of seriousness, “When he plays well, he gets dropped. He got four wickets today, so there’s no way he’s going to play the next match. I’m joking, but this has been the story of his career. In between getting dropped, he produces moments of real magic. His numbers across formats are outstanding, but he remains one of the most dispensable players in the squad.”

Kuldeep’s career trajectory supports the observation. Since making his international debut in 2017, the left-arm wrist spinner has played only 13 Tests and 41 T20Is, despite maintaining exceptional averages — under 27 in ODIs, 22.16 in Tests, and a remarkable 13.39 in T20Is.

On Wednesday, Kuldeep’s spell dismantled UAE’s batting. Introduced after the powerplay, he turned the contest one-sided in the ninth over, dismissing three batters in quick succession to reduce UAE from 48/2 to 50/5. From there, the Emiratis could only add seven more runs, folding for 57 — their lowest-ever total in Asia Cup history and the second-lowest overall.

India, in reply, made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 4.3 overs, thereby recording their biggest T20I win by balls remaining.

While Kuldeep once again underlined his value, Manjrekar’s stinging remark highlighted the ongoing debate over the spinner’s inconsistent inclusion in India’s playing XI despite his match-winning abilities.