Kuldeep Yadav Destroys UAE in Asia Cup 2025, But Will Gambhir Drop Him Again?

Kuldeep Yadav’s Fantastical Comeback in the Asia Cup 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 has opened with fireworks all around, and the focus is on Kuldeep Yadav, who made a fairytale return to international cricket. While playing against the United Arab Emirates on September 10 in Dubai, the wrist-spinner absolutely butchered the opposition, and proved again why he is India’s most dangerous spinner in T20Is.

He had been away from international cricket for six months, and put to bed all the doubts that he should be in the Indian squad. His spell of 4 wickets for 7 runs off 13 balls absolutely demolished UAE’s batting backbone – three of those wickets in a single over, leaving fans and players in disbelief.

While Shivam Dube did take three wickets, it was Kuldeep’s ruthless accuracy that helped India to a nine-wicket victory in their Asia Cup 2025 opening match.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s jab at Gautam Gambhir

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar had a dig at an unpleasant reality in relation to Kuldeep’s brilliant spell – he may still not be picked in the playing XI. So following a cheeky dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir, Manjrekar tweeted:

Kuldeep has 3 in one over. May not play the next game now. 😉

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 10, 2025

This wasn’t just in jest, it was a clear dig at Gambhir’s unpredictable selections and claims of bias in the squad. Manjrekar also pointed to the fact that match-winning performances don’t guarantee players like Kuldeep consistency in being backed.

Kuldeep’s Honest Words Hide a Lot

After the game, Manjrekar asked Kuldeep how he keeps his head up when he doesn’t get many chances to play. As he started to answer, the mic went out, and we only heard a bit of what he said.

All that came through was:
It was tough for me.

That quick, honest line really shows how much he wants to play, how annoyed he gets, and how determined he is. It just goes to show that every time he bowls a great game, it’s because he’s worked hard and bounced back from tough times.

Also Read: Want to Watch India vs Pakistan Live? Book Asia Cup 2025 Tickets Here

Kuldeep Yadav’s stupendous T20 career serves a solid argument to bring him back in:

• Matches: 40 T20Is
• Wickets: 69
• Average: 14.07
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
• T20 World Cup 2024: 10 wickets in 5 games, economy under 7

He was the man of the match in the London T20 World Cup 2024, however, he was not in the squad for the series against England after which Gill took over the Test tour in England.

Anyway, the bitter question is still being asked by fans and experts as to what purpose may be served by not employing a player who is a guaranteed winner against a top-quality team in such tightly contested series?

Why Kuldeep Yadav is Importance for India in Asia Cup 2025

As the high-pressure matches approach for example India vs Pakistan match on September 14, Kuldeep Yadav’s experience and capability to change matches single handedly could be India’s biggest weapon. UAE pitches will also leverage spinners, so leaving him out now would be a shocking and risky move.

However, Kuldeep Yadav’s return is much more than just the numbers: it is an indication that he deserves to be on the bigger stage; and to drop him, again, will put serious pressure on any aspect of Gambhir’s management – especially given he had just performed with great success.

Kuldeep Yadav has proven again why he’s still one of India’s best T20 bowlers. But the big question is: Will he get a chance in the important games, or will the team pick favorites instead?

Fans are waiting to see if India keeps this spin genius in the lineup, or if he’ll be benched again after showing what he can do.