Absolutely zero confidence: Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and team management's faith in Kuldeep Yadav

Ravichandran Ashwin said "Absolutely zero confidence" as he publicly challenged Gautam Gambhir and the India team management over their treatment of Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist spinner was left out throughout the ODI series against England, and Ashwin signalled he no longer believes the selectors have faith in Kuldeep.

Kuldeep's exclusion from the playing XI for the full England ODI sequence has become a talking point, with Ashwin highlighting the longer-term consequences for the bowler. Ashwin argued that the lack of involvement has left the wrist-spinner in a precarious position and urged a change in approach to his career management. He suggested Kuldeep should stop waiting for opportunities that may not come. The absence of regular game time for Kuldeep has provoked debate among cricket followers about selection priorities and player development.

Ashwin's remarks directly name Gautam Gambhir alongside the broader team management, placing responsibility for selection decisions in their hands. He made clear his view that the current handling of Kuldeep indicates dwindling confidence from those running the side. The spinner's craft and past performances were not disputed in Ashwin's comments; his focus was on how Kuldeep has been managed since the series began.

Observers and supporters have responded to Kuldeep's omission with a mixture of surprise and frustration, a reaction Ashwin referenced when airing his concerns. The discussion has centered not only on one series but on the message sent to specialist wrist-spinners when they are repeatedly overlooked. That message, Ashwin suggested, could be damaging to Kuldeep's prospects if it remains unaddressed.

Ashwin also encouraged a pragmatic stance from Kuldeep himself, implying that waiting indefinitely for selection may not be the best course. His comments have amplified the conversation about the spinner's future and how selectors balance team combinations with individual careers.

Ashwin's intervention has intensified scrutiny on selection choices after the England ODIs and kept Kuldeep's situation in the public eye. The debate over whether the management will alter its approach remains active as followers continue to discuss the spinner's next steps.