India will begin their five-match ODI series against New Zealand on November 4 in Auckland, looking to carry forward the momentum from their 3-2 T20I series victory. However, team selection could present a challenge for the Gautam Gambhir-led management, particularly regarding the balance of the bowling attack.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has shared his assessment of Kuldeep Yadav’s chances of featuring in the playing XI. According to Kaif, the left-arm wrist spinner’s selection will depend on whether the team management is prepared to move away from its preference for playing three specialist fast bowlers.
“When this team carries eight batsmen, Kuldeep misses out. We have seen this many times. Kuldeep’s inclusion means you have to reduce one fast bowler — two fast bowlers plus Reddy, then he can play. But with three proper pacers plus Reddy and Axar Patel, you won’t be able to fit Kuldeep in,” Mohammad Kaif said.
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Kaif further explained that India could include Kuldeep if the management adopts a flexible approach to its bowling combination. He pointed to the team’s decision to play Varun Chakravarthy in the final T20I as an example of adapting selection to match conditions.
“However, if you keep an open mind – like they played Varun in the last T20 because fast bowlers were getting hit – considering wrist spin, bounce, and top-spin, you can play Kuldeep. Two fast bowlers, Reddy, Kuldeep, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir… otherwise, if you play three main fast bowlers, Kuldeep won’t play under this team’s mindset,” Mohammad Kaif added.
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India have announced a split squad for the ODI series, with several players preparing for the Wellington Test beginning November 19. Kuldeep has been selected for the first three ODIs alongside Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel.
