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Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Kuldeep Yadav has been handled by the Indian team management, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner remains a crucial asset for the team's long-term plans. Kuldeep was left out of the opening ODI against England in Birmingham, marking the third time he has missed selection in India's last four ODIs.

Instead, India opted for spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to strengthen the batting lineup. The decision proved successful as India chased down 263 comfortably, with Axar starring with figures of 4/62 before scoring an unbeaten half-century, while Sundar also remained unbeaten with a fifty after going wicketless with the ball.

Despite the result, Ashwin believes Kuldeep's role should not diminish, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Speaking on Cricinfo, Ashwin questioned India's team combination and stressed the importance of retaining Kuldeep in the ODI setup.

"I have an issue with the kind of treatment that Kuldeep Yadav has been given. We are having two fingerspinners in conditions that might not have suited spin necessarily."

Ashwin suggested that while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar delivered with the bat in Birmingham, India may eventually have to choose between the two all-rounders to accommodate Kuldeep. He also pointed towards future overseas assignments, where the wrist-spinner's wicket-taking ability could prove decisive.

"Come South Africa, you will need Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washy [Sundar]. Both of them [Axar and Washington] got fifties and saw us home. But I think there is room for only one of the two players in the future."

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Ashwin also highlighted that Kuldeep's opportunities have been limited beyond the England series. During India's recent home ODI series against Afghanistan, the spinner featured in only one match and returned economical figures of 0/42 from his full quota of 10 overs.

The former all-rounder further stated that India are still searching for a suitable replacement for Hardik Pandya, who remains unavailable due to injury. Ashwin welcomed the management's decision to persist with Shivam Dube, who bowled six overs and picked up one wicket despite not getting an opportunity with the bat.

"I like the fact that Shivam Dube was persisted with. He got six overs to bowl, which is something that is a tick mark from the Indian perspective."