Kuldeep Yadav rested for first two ODIs vs Australia. Rohit Sharma says India don’t want to expose him

“We have been looking at Kuldeep for the last one, one and a half years, this is why we don’t want to expose him a lot. He is coming back for the last match. There are a lot of reasons. This is the best decision for us, to have him sit out for two games and play the third. We also have two practice matches [before the World Cup opener], so for the bowling rhythm, he will be back in it.”

Agarkar, who worked with Kuldeep at Delhi Capitals in the IPL not long ago, spoke of the virtues that make Kuldeep a vital cog in India’s World Cup wheel. He reiterated how a little bit of “faith and confidence” could do wonders for a bowler’s mindset.

“I spent a couple of years with him, he is a guy who has a special skillset,” Agarkar said. “Every player needs to be shown faith, given a bit of confidence, which the team management has done and it is showing on the field. In various conditions and against varied opposition, he is one of the trump cards for the team. I’m happy and excited about what he is doing. Clearly, most teams coming up against him find it a challenge, and where he is at, all of us are excited at what lies ahead.”