![Kuldeep performed poorly in the 4th ODI vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794631732191_Kuldeepperformedpoorlyinthe4thODIvsNewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
Kuldeep performed poorly in the 4th ODI vs New Zealand [Source: AFP]
Kuldeep Yadav was given a chance in the 4th ODI against New Zealand, but the wily spinner failed to grab the opportunity as the Kiwi batters took him to the cleaners. After the game, the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, criticised the spinner for a poor showing.
Kuldeep came in place of Anshul Kamboj as India went ahead with an extra spinner for the 4th ODI, but the plan backfired. The spinner conceded 73 runs in eight overs, with an economy rate of 9.13, and he went wicketless.
Gambhir criticises Kuldeep Yadav for poor performance in 4th ODI
While several former cricketers sympathised with Kuldeep Yadav, Gautam Gambhir echoed a different opinion, as the head coach criticised the spinner for not taking the opportunity presented in front of him against New Zealand.
"Look, game time will always be limited [as a spinner] when you travel overseas," Gambhir said. "But whatever opportunities you get, you try and make the most of it. It's not that he hasn't got enough game time. He played three ODIs against West Indies [at home in October]. And then when you are travelling a place like New Zealand, and when you know the dimensions [of the grounds] and you know the conditions," said Gambhir at the post-game presser.
He further added: "So, I think this debate about less game time, getting into rhythm - I think when you are playing international cricket, you should try and be in that rhythm most of the time. And whatever opportunities you get, you should try and make the most of it."
Kuldeep Yadav has hardly been used in SENA ODI matches
The SENA wicket conditions demand an extra pacer in the lineup, and the majority of the time, India doesn’t trust Kuldeep’s abilities as he hardly plays outside India.
In the 2025 away ODI series against Australia, the spinner played only a solitary match out of the three games and was not trusted for the other two. He played the entire home season against South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the West Indies, but didn’t feature in a single game in England.
The trend continued in the ongoing ODI series against the Kiwis, wherein Kuldeep was benched for the first three matches and was given a chance in the 4th game, where he failed to deliver the goods.
