‘Confidence takes a hit’: R Ashwin flags Kuldeep Yadav’s T20 World Cup challenge after NZ batters’ onslaught

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over Kuldeep Yadav’s confidence heading into the T20 World Cup after the wrist-spinner endured a difficult ODI series against New Zealand. Kuldeep, expected to be a key pillar of India’s spin attack in the sub-continent showpiece, managed just three wickets across the three-match series and was repeatedly targeted by New Zealand’s batters.

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The most damaging blows came from Daryl Mitchell, who enjoyed a dream run at No. 4, registering three consecutive half-centuries, including back-to-back hundreds, as the Black Caps clinched the series 2-1. Mitchell’s proactive approach against spin, particularly Kuldeep, tilted the balance decisively in New Zealand’s favour.




Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said the timing of Kuldeep’s struggles could not be worse. “New Zealand batters took the proactive approach against the Indian spinners by taking them on immediately. Kuldeep Yadav is one of the finest bowlers. He has all the tools. But before the T20 World Cup, his confidence would have come down a bit,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin, however, was quick to stress that the phase should be treated as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. He urged Kuldeep to become more flexible and experimental when faced with batters in top form. “My only submission to Kuldeep Yadav would be asking him to experiment a little more,” Ashwin said. “When a batter is batting as well as Daryl Mitchell is against you, and wickets aren’t falling, we have to make the play.”


The former off-spinner pointed out that Mitchell’s scoring areas offered clues that could have been exploited. “His wagon wheel will show you no runs on the offside because of a closed bottom hand. I am concerned that Kuldeep didn’t do this in all three ODIs,” Ashwin noted.

Ashwin also broadened the discussion to India’s overall spin approach in ODIs, suggesting there was room for growth. While Kuldeep bore the brunt of New Zealand’s aggressive batting, Ravindra Jadeja went wicket-less in the series. “Many saw (Jayden) Lennox’s bowling and criticised Jadeja and Kuldeep’s bowling,” Ashwin said. “Yes, both are in a situation where they have to expand their game. Both the Indian spinners can be a bit more creative.”


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