Why does India keep dropping Kuldeep Yadav after match-winning spells?

Kuldeep Yadav took 4 for 40 against West Indies in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram, removing Justin Campbell, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Jewel Andrew after West Indies had posted 135 for no loss. His spell of 10 overs with 34 dot balls turned the match and earned him the player-of-the-match award despite Virat Kohli's unbeaten 139.

India's selection pattern shows Kuldeep repeatedly dropped after strong performances because selectors prioritise batting depth from all-round options like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Kuldeep cannot provide the same lower-order insurance, making his position less secure whenever India seeks additional batting cover without a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder.

The wrist-spinner's career has followed a cycle of match-winning spells followed by periods out of the side, with rhythm disrupted by inconsistent opportunities. His recent County Championship stint with Yorkshire produced a 10-wicket haul, and captain Shubman Gill credited Kuldeep's middle-over wicket-taking ability for getting India back into the contest after the West Indies opening stand.