The Indian cricket team effected three changes to their playing XI in the pivotal fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Manchester's Old Trafford but Kuldeep Yadav again could not find a place in the side. This repeated snub has brought frustration among fans and analysts alike, particularly given that the match is a virtual must-win for India against England in the five-Test series. Watch here: Don't think anyone else but @ashwinravi99 can understand what Kuldeep is going through today. The story of benching India's best spinner continues... — Siddharth Audhinarayanan (@sidaudhi) July 23, 2025 Anyways the Kuldeep one doesn’t even surprise me anymore, feels like that ship has sailed. — Prashanth (@ps_it_is) July 23, 2025 Other than Jasprit Bumrah, which bowler would England least like to face at Old Trafford? Surely Kuldeep Yadav.Old Trafford and wrist spinners go together.India, previously with Ashwin, and now with Kuldeep, don't seem to play to their strengths.#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND — James Buttler | Cricket Badger Podcast 🏏🦡🇺🇦 (@cricket_badger) July 23, 2025 Why Shardul Thakur?? Kuldeep Yadav would add variety as he is an unorthodox left arm bowler. — Shrin (@ShrrinG) July 23, 2025 Every coach and captain of India has/had a bunch of fav cricketers whom they give a longer rope. But all of them have hated Kuldeep Yadav. So irritating 😭 — Meghahaha (@themegheffect) July 23, 2025 Gambhir & Gill team selection sucks. Always looking for extra batter for a good bowler. They have destroyed a rare talent like Kuldeep Yadav who will walk into any team. How stupid can they be in picking Shardul again & again? It's a one day match team. #INDvsENG — N. K.Narasimhan (@NKNarasimhan1) July 23, 2025 As much as there have been demands for him to be included, Kuldeep has once again been overlooked, with India presenting a debut cap to young pacer Anshul Kamboj. The left-arm wrist-spinner, who boasts variety and can turn matches, has not been selected in any of the four Tests played thus far. What has also heightened eyebrows is that skipper Shubman Gill hasn't spoken out regarding Kuldeep's consistent exclusion in the media. Fans have cried out for explanations, particularly in light of the team's problems with the spinners and the unavailability of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy through injury, a position many felt Kuldeep was perfectly placed to cover. For the Manchester Test, India included Kamboj instead of the injured Akash Deep, and Sai Sudharsan was in for Karun Nair, who was left out for poor form. Shardul Thakur was back in the XI, replacing injured Nitish Reddy. The decision to play Thakur ahead of Kuldeep has come under sharp criticism, particularly given Thakur's recent poor form and minimal contribution. Also Read | Has Karun Nair’s Test Career Ended with Manchester Test Drop? There is increasing disillusionment among fans and retired players, who feel that the management of India is having more confidence in debutante Kamboj and Thakur than in the proven performer Kuldeep. A lot of people feel that Kuldeep's wrist spin with the left hand could have provided much-needed variety and balance to the bowling lineup in conditions where he had done well in the past. Kuldeep's ability to shatter opposition with his penalty spin, variations, and unconventional action makes him a quality cricketer especially on grounds where spinners might have the final say. However, with all the injuries and gaps in the line of opportunity, India still fails to utilize his services. A lot of people anticipated Kuldeep filling in for Reddy, presenting an attacking choice and experience. But again, the management of the team took a different direction, something that has not been well received by sections of the cricket fraternity.