Photo via CricTracker

'Who will get through those middle overs?' – Ambati Rayudu questions team management for overlooking Kuldeep Yadav for NZ vs IND 1st ODI

India’s first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park on November 4, 2026, sparked debate over a tactical decision that left Kuldeep Yadav sidelined. The team’s lineup featured four fast bowlers—a choice attributed to the absence of Nitish Kumar Reddy—while Naman Dhir was added to the batting order.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu questioned the strategy, arguing that omitting a specialist spinner like Yadav could leave gaps in managing New Zealand’s middle overs. Yadav, who last played in an ODI against the West Indies on September 27, 2026, had been a key figure in India’s white-ball plans but remained on the bench for this match.

India won the toss and elected to field first, setting up a pace-heavy attack for the series opener.

Up nextCricket· 3h ago

Gill opts to bowl, Siraj and Kuldeep miss out as India go with four pacers vs NZ