India’s crushing 76-run defeat in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked fresh controversy and this time, it’s not just about performance.
Kuldeep Yadav, who featured in the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo on February 22, picked up one wicket in his three overs. Despite delivering a steady spell in such a big game, the left-arm wrist-spinner was left out of India’s playing XI for the next four matches. His absence has surprised many fans and cricket experts, especially given his strong record in T20 Internationals.
After the heavy loss in Ahmedabad on Sunday, questions grew louder about why a proven wicket-taker like Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t part of the side. Amid this debate, Pakistani batter Ahmed Shehzad made a bold claim during a show. Ahmed Shehzad, who was the first Pakistani batter to score a century in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, suggested that Kuldeep’s omission might not be purely tactical.
He described Kuldeep Yadav as a match-winner and hinted that something unusual happened after the Pakistan game. According to Ahmed Shehzad, there were reports of an argument between Kuldeep and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and some even speculated that it turned slightly physical. He added that people are linking Kuldeep’s absence to a possible disciplinary issue or internal disagreement, rather than form or strategy. In his view, leaving out a bowler who brings variety and has the ability to change games doesn’t make cricketing sense.
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Following the India-Pakistan match at R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15, a video clip went viral showing Suryakumar appearing upset during an animated exchange with Kuldeep Yadav.
Ahmed Shehzad also criticised India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, claiming that off-field influences may have affected the team environment. He suggested that outside distractions and internal politics could harm focus and unity within a squad.
Kuldeep Yadav’s numbers speak for themselves – 95 wickets in 54 T20Is. With India set to face Zimbabwe in Chennai on Thursday, it remains to be seen whether the talented spinner will return to the playing XI.
What do you think? Is Ahmed Shehzad telling the truth?
