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'India could have used Kuldeep Yadav' – Ambati Rayudu criticises team selection during New Zealand T20Is

During the fourth T20 International held on October 30, 2026, the visiting Indian bowling attack struggled immensely against New Zealand, leaking a record-breaking 259 runs for the loss of seven wickets across twenty overs at Auckland. This massive total marked the highest score ever conceded by India in the history of the format, immediately triggering fierce debate regarding the team composition and tactical approach.

Former batter Ambati Rayudu publicly questioned the decision to omit left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the starting lineup, arguing that his ability to slow down the pace would have forced batters into hitting toward the more expansive square boundaries rather than exploiting the short straight boundary. Rayudu noted that the current bowling unit predominantly relies on full deliveries, which proved disastrous given the diminutive field dimensions and the impressive head-to-head history Yadav holds against key opposition batsmen like Glenn Phillips.

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