Kuldeep Yadav‘s lack of confidence during the disastrous three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home has alarmed former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. A key member of the Indian team’s T20I lineup, the left-arm spinner will also be essential to the team’s performance in the forthcoming five-match series and the ensuing T20 World Cup 2026.
Kuldeep had a terrible series with the ball against the Kiwis, taking just three wickets at an economy rate of 7.28 and an average of 60.68. After losing the series 1-2, the Men in Blue suffered their first-ever home defeat in an ODI series against the Kiwis.
In light of Kuldeep’s difficulties, Ashwin discussed what went wrong with the leg-spinner against the visitors and how it might have affected his self-assurance.
“The New Zealand hitters attacked the Indian spinners right away, demonstrating initiative. And one of the best bowlers is Kuldeep Yadav. He’s got everything. However, Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel that his confidence would have somewhat declined prior to the T20 World Cup.
The former off-spinner for India also expressed his displeasure with the left-arm unconventional spinner’s lack of experimentation while the New Zealand batsmen, particularly Daryl Mitchell, took him to cleaners.
Asking Kuldeep Yadav to try a little more is my sole suggestion to him. When Daryl Mitchell is batting better than you and wickets aren’t dropping, we need to make the play. Because of a closed bottom hand, his waggon wheel will indicate that there are no runs on the offside. The fact that Kuldeep didn’t accomplish this in all three ODIs worries me,” he continued.
Indian spinners could be more imaginative, Ashwin says.
The seasoned pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling in the series did not please the 39-year-old. Everyone was pleased with Jayden Lexxon’s control and variety, while the left-arm spinner went the entire series without taking a wicket.
India
