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  4. 'New Zealand may have dented his confidence before T20 World Cup': R Ashwin urges India bowler to 'experiment' after recent struggles

India's most successful off-spinner also said his long-time teammate Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav had room to become more creative in the 50-over format after their poor returns in the New Zealand ODIs.

By: Sports Desk January 20, 2026 10:12 AM IST

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New Zealand batters blunted Kuldeep Yadav in the ODI leg before the T20Is and the subsequent T20 World Cup. (CREIMAS)New Zealand batters blunted Kuldeep Yadav in the ODI leg before the T20Is and the subsequent T20 World Cup. (CREIMAS)

India’s premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav had a forgettable series during the ODI leg against New Zealand this week, culminating in another major defeat for the Men in Blue at home. Picking up only three wickets in the series, Kuldeep was taken down brutally by New Zealand No. 4 Daryl Mitchell who enjoyed a dream series, cracking three consecutive fifties, including back-to-back hundreds during the 2-1 series win.

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Former India all-rounder R Ashwin said that the poor returns and the Kiwis’ admirable against him may have disrupted Kuldeep’s rhythm only weeks before the T20 World Cup in the sub-continent where the 31-year-old is primed to lead India’s spin attack.

short article insert “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.

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Ashwin also encouraged Kuldeep to experiment more with his bowling when coming across enterprising batters in the mould of Mitchell more often.

“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. 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,” stated Ashwin.

India’s most successful off-spinner also said his long-time teammate Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep had room to become more creative in the 50-over format. While Kuldeep bore the brunt of the BlackCaps’ hitting, Jadeja went wicket-less in the series.

“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,” said Ashwin.