India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has explained why Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have remained outside the playing XI during the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, saying both players understand the demands of team selection. The two specialist spinners were again left out for the fourth match at Eden Park on October 30, when India conceded 259/7 and lost by 87 runs.
Bahutule says both spinners understand the selection picture
Speaking after the fourth T20I, Bahutule said Kuldeep and Chakravarthy were prepared to play but knew that the team management might continue with a different combination. He said the pair understood that selection depends on what the team requires for a particular match and that they remain ready despite not getting regular opportunities.
Bahutule said the two continue to work behind the scenes and would be prepared whenever the team calls on them. His comments addressed the questions around their continued absence, particularly after India's bowling attack had a difficult evening against New Zealand at Eden Park.
The coach also expressed hope that the spinners could get a chance in the final T20I or in the upcoming one-day matches. He made an important distinction, however: Chakravarthy is not part of India's ODI squad, meaning the reference to the one-day series applied to Kuldeep rather than both players.
India's combination and spin roles
Bahutule explained that India's spin strategy is not based on one fixed role for every bowler. He said the team encourages its bowlers to attack, while recognising that a defensive approach can sometimes create an attacking outcome depending on the match situation.
He singled out Axar Patel's flexibility, noting that the left-arm spinner can bowl in the Powerplay and execute whichever overs the team assigns to him. Bahutule added that Kuldeep and Chakravarthy are also prepared to bowl at different stages of an innings, but their use depends on conditions and the combination selected for the day.
The coach also mentioned Abhishek Sharma's work on his left-arm spin in practice. Bahutule said the batter regularly works on his bowling in the nets, although the decision to use him during a match rests with the captain and depends on the conditions and situation.
Eden Park presented a different challenge
India's selection debate intensified after the fourth T20I, in which New Zealand posted 259/7 and won by 87 runs. The short boundaries at Eden Park gave batters opportunities to clear the ropes, placing a premium on execution, accuracy and awareness of the ground's dimensions.
Bahutule acknowledged that Eden Park is a challenging venue for bowlers. He said India had been clear about its strengths and the plans it wanted to execute, but the team did not carry them out successfully on the night. He also noted that the previous three matches had involved different pitches and conditions, which India had managed to adapt to more effectively.
The coach did not suggest that the absence of Kuldeep and Chakravarthy was the sole reason for the defeat. Instead, he described the need to reassess the ideal combination at the next venue, leaving the final selection decision open ahead of the Hamilton match.
Hamilton offers another selection opportunity
India had already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series before the final T20I. The last match in Hamilton therefore gives the team an opportunity to consider changes while still aiming to finish the tour's T20I leg strongly.
Bahutule said the management would assess the conditions at the next venue before deciding on the combination. His comments leave open the possibility of a chance for one or both of the waiting spinners in the final T20I, although no selection decision had been announced at the time of his remarks.
Kuldeep's wait has been particularly notable: the report noted that his previous T20I appearance came on October 9 against the West Indies in Ranchi. Chakravarthy, meanwhile, remains part of the T20I group but is not included in the ODI squad for the New Zealand leg.
The SportsLine angle
The situation highlights the difficult balance between giving established players match time and maintaining a combination that the team believes suits the conditions. For spinners, selection can depend not only on individual ability but also on the role assigned to other bowlers, the venue and the opposition's batting approach.
Bahutule's comments also underline the importance of communication with players who are not selected. His message was that Kuldeep and Chakravarthy know the reasoning behind the decisions and remain prepared. The Hamilton team sheet will show whether that preparation turns into an opportunity before the ODI series begins.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy not playing against New Zealand?
Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said their absence is based on the team's preferred combination and match requirements. He stressed that both players understand the selection situation, continue working in practice and remain ready if the team needs them in a later match.
What did Sairaj Bahutule say about Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy?
Bahutule said both spinners are prepared to play but are aware that team combinations may mean they do not get an opportunity. He added that they keep working behind the scenes and will be ready to execute their skills whenever selected.
Could Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy play the final T20I against New Zealand?
Bahutule said the team would travel to Hamilton and decide which combination would be ideal for the final match. He left open the possibility that the two spinners could get an opportunity, but did not confirm either player's selection.
Is Varun Chakravarthy part of India's ODI squad against New Zealand?
No. Bahutule specifically clarified that Chakravarthy is not part of India's ODI squad. His comments about a possible opportunity in the upcoming one-day matches therefore applied to Kuldeep Yadav, while Chakravarthy's immediate chance would depend on the T20I team combination.
What did the coach say about India's bowling at Eden Park?
Bahutule said Eden Park is challenging because of its dimensions and short boundaries. He explained that India had been clear about its strengths and plans but did not execute them successfully in the fourth T20I, when New Zealand scored 259/7.