Questions continue to swirl around Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from India’s playing XI in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, especially after the team’s heavy 76-run defeat in their first Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad.
Kuldeep featured in the high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Colombo on February 22, returning figures of one wicket in three overs. However, despite a steady outing and his proven T20I track record, the left-arm wrist-spinner has not been included in the XI for the subsequent matches — a move that has drawn criticism from fans and experts alike.
Amid the debate, out-of-favour Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad made a sensational claim on a recent episode of the Pakistani show Haarna Mana Hai. Shehzad alleged that Kuldeep’s omission could be linked to a reported disagreement with India captain Suryakumar Yadav.
“Kuldeep is a match-winner for you. I don’t know how they left him out of the XI. There was an incident after the Pakistan game where he had an argument with Suryakumar Yadav and Surya even pushed him. People are now saying that perhaps Kuldeep was dropped because of a disciplinary issue or a problem with Suryakumar Yadav. Otherwise, he would not have been left out. Kuldeep brings variation and is a match-winner,” Shehzad said.
Following the India-Pakistan match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, a viral clip showed Suryakumar appearing animated during a conversation with Kuldeep, further fuelling speculation.
Shehzad also criticised India head coach Gautam Gambhir, claiming that internal “politics” had affected the team’s environment.
“When you enter any field, complete focus is needed. Gambhir entered politics, and obviously his mindset changed. He was not very successful in politics, but it seems he has brought that same politics into the team environment. All this politics from Gautam Gambhir has damaged the image of the Indian team,” Shehzad added.
While there has been no official confirmation from the Indian camp regarding any disciplinary issue, the speculation has intensified at a time when India’s campaign hangs in the balance.
