IND v NZ 2026: ‘His confidence took a hit before T20 World Cup’- R Ashwin concerned about Kuldeep Yadav after New Zealand ODIs

Kuldeep Yadav managed just three wickets in three ODIs in recent series.

Former India spinner R Ashwin has expressed concern about Kuldeep Yadav's confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, following a poor ODI series against New Zealand.  

Kuldeep, who was supposed to be a crucial pillar of India's spin attack in the subcontinent event, took only three wickets in the three-match series and was constantly targeted by New Zealand batters.

The most damaging strikes came from Daryl Mitchell, who scored two hundred and fifty in the series and attacked Kuldeep Yadav from the first ball in all three games. 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 on his YouTube channel.

But Ashwin was careful to emphasize that rather than being viewed as a setback, the phase should be viewed as a learning opportunity. He advised Kuldeep to be more adaptable and daring when dealing with elite batters.

“My only submission to Kuldeep Yadav would be asking him to experiment a little more. When a batter is batting as well as Daryl Mitchell is against you, and wickets aren’t falling, we have to make the play,” he added.

Mitchell's scoring areas provided hints that may have been taken advantage of, Ashwin noted.

“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 compared the approach New Zealand spinners took and how the Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, who went wicketless, bowled.

“Many saw (Jayden) Lennox’s bowling and criticized Jadeja and Kuldeep’s bowling. Yes, both are in a situation where they have to expand their game. Both the Indian spinners can be a bit more creative,” Ashwin stated.

The action between India and New Zealand will now move to five T20Is, starting from January 21, which will be their final international assignment before the T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7.