We cannot go to South Africa without him, says Ashwin backing Kuldeep Yadav for 2027 ODI World Cup

Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Kuldeep Yadav for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, emphasising the spinner's importance to India's plans. Ashwin's endorsement comes after Kuldeep's standout performance in the first ODI against West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026, where India won by eight wickets.

Kuldeep took four for 40 in ten overs and was named Player of the Match. His four wickets came at a crucial juncture, as he took four of the first five wickets to fall and engineered a collapse after the tourists had reached 135 without loss in the 20th over. Kuldeep's four victims were John Campbell, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Jewel Andrew.

"Forget the four wickets. Many people are saying this is his comeback. It is nothing like that. He has almost 200 wickets. He has been a champion spinner and we cannot go to South Africa without him," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin's direct backing for Kuldeep and the 2027 World Cup

Ashwin's backing underscores Kuldeep's standing despite his recent limited selection in ODI cricket. Kuldeep had travelled with the Indian team to England for three ODIs earlier in 2026 without playing, making the September 27 match a significant return to the format. The spinner's performance demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

"He was a very good bowler, he is a very good bowler, and he will continue to be a very good bowler. I will not agree to anything otherwise. This West Indies batting lineup is no match for Kuldeep Yadav's skill. But I am very happy that he went and played County cricket, picked wickets, and you can see the results again. Being Kuldeep is not easy, but the rhythm that he showed, I am very happy," Ashwin said.

Kuldeep's match-winning performance and selection context

India's chase was built on strong batting performances, with Virat Kohli scoring 139 not out off 88 balls to guide the team to victory. West Indies had posted 295 for seven in their innings, but Kuldeep's intervention with the ball proved decisive in restricting the opposition and setting up India's successful run chase.

The second ODI of the series was scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, as India looked to extend its lead in the three-match series.