Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that India could make changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30. With India having secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, the team management has an opportunity to rotate players and assess its bench strength ahead of the final fixture.

Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav have yet to feature in the series. However, Ashwin believes India must carefully consider the playing conditions before including either spinner, particularly with the remaining matches scheduled at smaller grounds. The former off-spinner also suggested that Mayank Yadav could return to the XI, potentially replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The experienced pacer has struggled to make an impact since returning to international cricket after nearly four years away from the Indian team.

Speaking on his YouTube show, Ash ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin explained why the smaller boundaries could influence India’s selection decisions. “We can also rotate the way New Zealand are doing. But before you look to do that, we must keep in mind that the first two games were on a big ground where you could have used spinners. In the third T20I, even New Zealand’s spinners were of no use,” Ashwin said.

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He further highlighted the challenges spinners could face in the remaining fixtures.

“In the next two games, the grounds will be even smaller. So I am not sure if spinners can play there. But the way Bhuvi has bowled, a spinner or Mayank might take his place, and I will not be surprised,” he added.

Ashwin’s assessment underlines the importance of adapting team selection to ground dimensions and match conditions. With the series already decided, India could use the opportunity to evaluate alternative bowling combinations while maintaining their competitive edge.

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Mayank Yadav, meanwhile, offers a pace option for the team management. The right-arm fast bowler made his T20I debut against Bangladesh on October 6, 2024. He has played six T20Is, claiming nine wickets, and featured in the opening match against New Zealand before Prince Yadav replaced him from the second game onwards.

A change for the Auckland encounter would give India another opportunity to assess their bowling resources before the series concludes.