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Ambati Rayudu makes special request to Pragyan Ojha for Kuldeep Yadav ahead of IND vs NZ ODIs

Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has publicly urged the team’s selection committee to reconsider Kuldeep Yadav’s role ahead of the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Yadav’s exclusion from all five T20Is against the Kiwis—despite India’s recent bowling changes—has sparked debate, with Rayudu suggesting a creative solution: naming Yadav vice-captain to guarantee his inclusion.

The left-arm spinner’s omission in favor of Axar Patel and Naman Dhir, along with Varun Chakravarthy’s return in the fifth T20I (where India suffered a heavy seven-wicket defeat), has frustrated Rayudu, who argues Yadav deserves a full opportunity to prove his worth in the ODI format. His appeal carries weight, given his close relationship with current chief selector Pragyan Ojha, a former teammate from Hyderabad cricket and Mumbai Indians’ IPL-winning squads of 2013 and 2015.

Rayudu also backed Mohammed Siraj to lead India’s bowling attack in the ODIs, citing the fast bowler’s recent Ranji Trophy performance as evidence of his resilience. Despite playing on a spinner-friendly pitch, Siraj took two wickets in a nine-over spell, showcasing his ability to adapt and handle pressure.

With Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya unavailable, Siraj’s fitness and commitment—highlighted by his willingness to push his body for the team—make him a critical asset in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and the senior players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have been training rigorously ahead of the series.

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