Kuldeep Yadav and Three Other Indian Players Were Disappointed on the England Tour!
Introduction
Kuldeep Yadav India’s 2025 tour of England was packed with high expectations, immense pressure, and fierce competition. With India stepping onto English soil after a strong home season, fans expected a dominant show from both seasoned campaigners and rising stars. However, cricket—especially in England—has a way of humbling even the best.
The swinging conditions, tricky pitches, and England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach in Tests created a demanding environment. While some Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up with commanding performances, others faltered under pressure. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav, along with three other players, turned out to be major disappointments, failing to make their mark in crucial moments.
This blog will explore how these four Indian cricketers, despite their talent and prior experience, underperformed in the England tour, what went wrong for each of them, and what their struggles mean for their future in Indian cricket.
1. Kuldeep Yadav – Struggled to Spin a Web in Seaming Conditions
Expectations:
Kuldeep Yadav has made a strong comeback in Indian colors over the last two years. His wrist spin, combined with flight and drift, troubled many top batsmen in the subcontinent and overseas white-ball matches. With England’s vulnerability to spin in the middle overs, Kuldeep was expected to be a trump card.
However, things didn’t go as planned.
Performance Overview (England Tour 2025):
- Tests: 1 match | Wickets: 1 | Bowling Average: 92.0
- ODIs: 3 matches | Wickets: 2 | Economy: 6.4
- T20Is: Did not play
What Went Wrong?
1. Conditions Did Not Suit Him:
England’s summer pitches rarely offer much turn, especially in ODIs. Kuldeep found no grip and often ended up bowling flatter, which is not his natural style.
2. Inconsistent Lengths:
Kuldeep’s biggest strength is his ability to deceive in the air. But under pressure, he bowled too short or too full, allowing batters to either cut or drive freely.
3. Lack of Variation:
Though he has a dangerous googly, Kuldeep’s reliance on his stock delivery became predictable. England’s batters picked him easily, especially Joe Root and Ben Duckett.
Impact on Team India:
Kuldeep was expected to be India’s strike spinner in the middle overs, but his failure to take wickets increased pressure on the fast bowlers. Without breakthroughs in the middle, England often accelerated in the final overs.
Future Outlook:
Kuldeep is still a valuable spinner in subcontinent conditions. However, his overseas adaptability is now under question. With Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, and even Washington Sundar pushing for spots, Kuldeep will need a strong showing in upcoming domestic and white-ball matches to retain his spot for future overseas tours.
2. Shreyas Iyer – Still Haunted by Short Balls and Swing
Expectations:
Shreyas Iyer was expected to solidify India’s middle-order in Tests and ODIs. With a strong domestic record and decent international experience, he was seen as the man who could stabilize innings and handle pressure situations.
But the England tour exposed old wounds.
Performance Overview:
- Tests: 4 innings | Runs: 71 | Avg: 17.75
- ODIs: 3 innings | Runs: 48 | Avg: 16
- T20Is: Not picked
What Went Wrong?
1. Struggled with Short Deliveries:
England’s pacers relentlessly targeted Iyer’s known weakness—short balls. He was hurried, uncomfortable, and eventually succumbed.
2. Poor Shot Selection:
Even when set, Iyer played loose shots outside off-stump. His lack of discipline in testing conditions led to soft dismissals.
3. Tentative Footwork:
Whether facing swing or seam, Iyer’s indecisiveness in footwork was evident. Caught between attacking and defending, he often got stuck in the crease.
Impact on Team India:
India’s middle-order collapsed on multiple occasions, and Iyer’s failure was a key factor. His inability to build partnerships or absorb pressure added to the woes.
Future Outlook:
With Sarfaraz Khan and Tilak Varma performing well in domestic cricket, Iyer will face stiff competition. If he doesn’t fix his technical issues soon, especially against pace, his spot in the Test and ODI squads might be at risk.
3. Shardul Thakur – The ‘Lord’ Lost His Mojo
Expectations:
Known for his ability to strike with the ball and chip in with crucial runs, Shardul Thakur earned the nickname “Lord Shardul” for his heroics in past matches. Team India hoped he would add depth and balance on the England tour.
But the all-rounder was a shadow of his former self.
Performance Overview:
- Tests: 2 matches | Wickets: 3 | Runs: 39
- ODIs: 2 matches | Wickets: 1 | Economy: 6.8
- T20Is: Not selected
What Went Wrong?
1. Lack of Penetration with the Ball:
Despite helpful conditions, Shardul couldn’t trouble the English batters. His bowling lacked pace and zip, and he failed to maintain pressure.
2. Sloppy Fielding and Poor Economy:
In ODIs, he leaked runs in the middle overs and didn’t complete his quota of overs. His fielding too looked off-color.
3. No Contributions with the Bat:
Shardul’s knack for scoring crucial runs disappeared. In both Tests and ODIs, he fell cheaply without contributing.
Impact on Team India:
India needed a third seamer who could bat. Shardul’s failure forced a heavier burden on Bumrah and Siraj, and weakened India’s lower-order batting.
Future Outlook:
With Hardik Pandya back in rhythm and newcomers like Harshit Rana and Mukesh Kumar impressing, Shardul’s role in the team could diminish. He must regain his bowling rhythm and provide impact performances in the domestic circuit.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – A Rare Failure for the Superstar
Expectations:
Ravindra Jadeja is the most complete all-rounder India has had in years. His ability to contribute in all departments made him an automatic selection. However, on this tour, he failed to deliver on all fronts.
Performance Overview:
- Tests: 3 matches | Runs: 95 | Wickets: 2
- ODIs: 3 matches | Runs: 51 | Wickets: 1
- T20Is: Rested
What Went Wrong?
1. Flat and Defensive Bowling:
On flat pitches, Jadeja’s spin lacked bite. He bowled defensively, hoping to contain rather than attack, which backfired.
2. Batting Underwhelmed:
Jadeja’s usual dependable batting was missing. He played rash shots and couldn’t rescue the team in tight chases.
3. Overworked and Fatigued:
Jadeja’s workload has been immense. From IPL to Tests to ODIs, his body language showed signs of fatigue, possibly leading to sub-par performance.
Impact on Team India:
As India’s senior-most all-rounder, Jadeja’s failure left a void. India missed his control in the middle overs and his resilience lower down the order.
Future Outlook:
Jadeja is still indispensable in Tests in Asia, but with Axar Patel, R Sai Kishore, and others emerging, India may consider resting or rotating him more often to keep him fresh for ICC tournaments.
Conclusion – A Tour of Harsh Realities and Valuable Lessons
The England tour of 2025 will be remembered not only for some spectacular individual performances but also for the glaring failures of experienced stars like Kuldeep Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, and Ravindra Jadeja. These players, who are often the backbone of India’s playing XI, failed to deliver when it mattered most.
But these failures also present opportunities—for introspection, improvement, and change.
Key Takeaways:
- Adaptability Is Crucial:
Playing in English conditions is never easy. Only those who adapt quickly and play according to the pitch survive. - Form Must Override Reputation:
Indian selectors and management must start choosing players based on current form rather than past laurels. - Need for Rotation and Backup:
Players like Jadeja and Kuldeep need breaks. India must invest in grooming backups to avoid over-reliance. - Middle-Order Needs Overhaul:
With multiple middle-order collapses, India must test out new names like Sarfaraz Khan, Rinku Singh, or Tilak Varma.
What’s Next for Team India?
India’s focus now shifts to the upcoming Asia Cup and the World Test Championship. Whether the team continues with the underperforming stars or gives fresh faces a chance remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: performance on the field is the only currency that counts.
Read more latest sport news
https://shorturl.fm/1ouU7