Kuldeep Omitted as India Must Win at Adelaide

India, bundled out for 136 in a rain‑affected seven‑wicket loss in Perth, must win the second ODI at Adelaide Oval to stay alive in the series. Australia have made three changes — Carey, Bartlett and Zampa — and elected to field. India have again left in‑form left‑arm wrist‑spinner Kuldeep Yadav out of the XI, opting for a three‑all‑rounder/three‑seamer balance that includes Harshit Rana; selectors led by Sitanshu Kotak said the Perth pitch and team balance drove the decision. Kuldeep’s omission has provoked sharp criticism from fans and former players including Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan. Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are under pressure after quiet returns in Perth, though commentators including Ricky Ponting remain hopeful they can rediscover form at the batting‑friendly Adelaide Oval.