India head coach Gautam Gambhir has delivered a blunt message to Kuldeep Yadav following the spinner’s expensive outing in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on November 13.
Kuldeep endured a difficult afternoon, conceding 73 runs without taking a wicket in his eight overs. New Zealand’s aggressive batting ensured India struggled to contain the scoring, with the hosts eventually posting 333 runs in their 50 overs.
While some observers attributed Kuldeep’s performance to a lack of regular match practice during the tour, Gambhir refused to accept that explanation. The India coach reminded the wrist-spinner that international players must make the most of the opportunities they receive.
Gautam Gambhir’s strong message to Kuldeep Yadav
India had opted for seam-heavy bowling combinations in the first three ODIs, leaving Kuldeep out of the playing XI. He finally returned for the fourth match, but the Bay Oval conditions and New Zealand’s aggressive approach made it a challenging comeback.
Asked whether limited game time had affected the spinner’s rhythm, Gambhir acknowledged that opportunities for specialist spinners can be restricted during overseas tours. However, he insisted that players must be ready whenever selected.
“Look, game time will always be limited [as a spinner] when you travel overseas. But whatever opportunities you get, you try and make the most of it. It’s not that he hasn’t got enough game time. He played three ODIs against West Indies [at home in October]. And then when you are travelling a place like New Zealand, and when you know the dimensions [of the grounds] and you know the conditions, sometimes you go with three seamers and you go with four seamers as well [as India did in the first three ODIs], and that is exactly what we did,” Gambhir said.
The head coach further emphasised that players cannot continuously blame limited opportunities for inconsistent performances.
“So, I think this debate about less game time, getting into rhythm – I think when you are playing international cricket, you should try and be in that rhythm most of the time. And whatever opportunities you get, you should try and make the most of it. It’s the same for batters as well. Because you can’t keep thinking that he hasn’t got enough opportunities,” he added.
Kuldeep Yadav struggles as New Zealand batters dominate
Kuldeep’s figures of 0/73 from eight overs were a major disappointment for India. The left-arm wrist-spinner struggled to find consistent lengths, allowing New Zealand’s batters to attack him throughout his spell.
Will Young was particularly effective against the spinner, making the most of loose deliveries during his outstanding innings of 125. Tim Seifert also contributed 58, helping New Zealand build a formidable total.
India’s other spin options had a comparatively better outing. Axar Patel finished with figures of 2/39 from 10 overs, while part-time spinner Naman Dhir claimed one wicket in his four overs.
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Will Kuldeep play the final ODI against New Zealand?
Kuldeep’s expensive spell has raised questions about his place in India’s playing XI for the final ODI. With the series still in India’s favour, the team management will have to decide whether to persist with the experienced spinner or make changes to the bowling combination.
India also suffered a humiliating batting collapse in the fourth ODI, losing by 244 runs after being bowled out for just 89 while chasing 334. Matt Henry picked up six wickets, including three in the opening over.
India still lead the five-match series 2-1, with the final match scheduled for November 15 at Bay Oval.
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