Former India spinner Murali Kartik has raised concerns over Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling approach following India’s disappointing 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday, November 13. Kuldeep endured a difficult outing, finishing with figures of 0/73 in eight overs, prompting Kartik to question the changes he made to his usual style.

Analysing the left-arm wrist-spinner’s performance, Kartik pointed out that Kuldeep bowled quicker than usual and relied heavily on back-of-a-length deliveries. According to the former cricketer, the lack of consistency in his approach was a departure from the style that has made him one of India’s most effective spin options.

“Today, I didn’t see the Kuldeep Yadav that I normally get to see. He was bowling quicker, and there were too many back-of-the-length deliveries. That’s not the Kuldeep you want to see, and that stems from the fact that he’s not getting to play regularly. He’s trying too many things in his own head and wants to get wickets quickly. That way, he can stay in the spell, and the captain doesn’t take the ball away from him,” Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

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Kartik believes Kuldeep’s limited opportunities in the Indian team have contributed to the pressure he faces whenever he gets a chance. Rather than trusting his natural strengths, the spinner appears to be searching for quick breakthroughs, which can affect his rhythm and decision-making.

The former India spinner also highlighted Kuldeep’s position during the New Zealand tour. Despite being selected across all three formats, the 30-year-old has not received consistent opportunities to feature in the playing XI.

“The output is often dependent on how you are internally. Kuldeep, along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, was the only one picked across all three teams for this tour. But he hardly gets a game, and they talk about his lack of batting and whatever other reasons,” Murali Kartik added.

He further emphasised that Kuldeep’s numbers across formats remain impressive despite his irregular appearances for India. 

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“He’s not playing regularly. But he has outstanding numbers in all three formats for a guy who doesn’t play on a regular basis. Because of this, each time he plays, he’s putting pressure on himself, as he knows he could be dropped if he fails,” he said.

Kartik’s assessment highlights the importance of regular game time in maintaining a player’s confidence and rhythm. For Kuldeep, finding consistency and backing his natural bowling strengths could be crucial as India look to move forward after a heavy defeat in the fourth ODI.