Both premier spinners haven't featured in the five-T20I series so far.
India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that team management will finalize the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand only after evaluating the pitch and boundary dimensions in Hamilton.
Following India's 87-run defeat to Kiwis in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Bahutule addressed the media regarding the benching of premier spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who have yet to feature in the series.
Despite the recent loss, the Shreyas Iyer-led side maintains an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
“I think obviously today was a different day. I think we played real good cricket in the last three games. Different pitches, different conditions is something which we really learnt to adapt.
“That’s what the effort was, but it didn’t happen. In the next venue, we will decide as to what combination would be ideal. They might get an opportunity, but let’s see how it turns out at Hamilton,” quoted Bahutule at the post-match press conference.
Bahutule further said Varun and Kuldeep fully understand that specific team balance and combinations have kept them out of the lineup so far, and they continue to train intensely behind closed doors.
He expressed optimism that both spinners will get opportunities soon, either in Sunday's final T20I or during the subsequent ODI series. While Kuldeep is part of the upcoming ODI series, Varun has only been selected for the T20I leg of the tour.
“I think more than anything they are well prepared to play. The team combinations, whatever they need, it’s very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity.
“They are very much aware of it. At the same time, they keep working behind the doors. Whenever they are needed, in fact, they will be ready for it. I think it’s a question of giving them the opportunity. Hopefully, in the next game and the coming one-dayers, they will get opportunities.”
Bahutule stated that the final decision on the playing XI would be taken once the team reaches Hamilton.
“We will decide once we reach Hamilton. Decide after having a look at the pitch, the dimensions again, conditions again. Then the decision will be taken.”
With the 2028 T20 World Cup slated to be held in Australia and New Zealand, Bahutule said the coaching staff actively encourages an aggressive mindset, emphasizing that even defensive containment lengths can function as an attacking strategy depending on match situations. He also praised spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel’s tactical flexibility across different phases of the innings.
“So, I think we encourage our bowlers to be attacking. Sometimes being defensive can also be an attacking role. You know what I mean? So, there are different situations which you need to handle. Like Axar (Patel) is somebody who bowls in the powerplay and whichever over number he is given, he executes it very well.
“When you have Varun as well as Kuldeep in the wings, they too are ready to bowl at any stage. They play a different role in conditions like this. But there is a lot of clarity given to them in terms of what is expected from them.
“So, moving forward, when the opportunity arises for them to contribute and play, I am sure they are very much well prepared and that will help them to get better and sort of play more games in the coming tournaments,” he remarked.
Sairaj Bahutule also highlighted opener Abhishek Sharma's dedication to evolving as a genuine all-rounder, noting his extensive practice of left-arm spin in the nets. However, he clarified that deployment in a match environment ultimately hinges on captain Shreyas Iyer's situational instincts and match conditions.
“He keeps practising. He is somebody who in the nets keeps working at his bowling. He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But it’s all about the captain’s instinct on the ground.
“He has to go according to that. That is the time sometimes you get a chance. You can get a chance by looking at the conditions. But they are very much well prepared. In any situation, I think the opportunity will be given. They will surely go there and execute their skills.”
Bahutule shared insight on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s bowling as well, saying the teenage batting prodigy was keen to develop that aspect of his game but was still some way from being used regularly with the ball.
“I think still some time to go. Definitely, he is very keen on his bowling. He does his routines in terms of the bowling. But I think he has got some time. We are trying to create as many opportunities for him. But eventually we have got some experienced players as well who will get their dues.
“But when it comes to bowling, I think he is somebody who is very keen. If he can bowl those one or two overs in a T20 and then hopefully, maybe in the one day or whenever his time comes. But behind the scenes, he is working towards it and he is very serious about his bowling.”
(With IANS Inputs)