Abhinav Mukund backs Kuldeep Yadav for 2027 World Cup spot

Former India batter Abhinav Mukund believes Kuldeep Yadav can secure his place as India's frontline spinner for the 2027 ODI World Cup with consistent performances over the next year. Mukund highlighted Kuldeep's match-winning four-wicket haul in the first ODI against West Indies as evidence of his return to form.

Kuldeep took 4 for 40 to restrict West Indies after they reached 135 for 0 in the 20th over. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award despite centuries from Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Mukund noted that India will need a specialist spinner for the World Cup in South Africa and believes Kuldeep is best positioned to fill that role.

Mukund also observed that India are still determining their optimal combination for the tournament, which explains Naman Dhir's inclusion and his five overs of part-time off-spin in the first match.