Indian spin coach explains why Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy were benched in NZ T20I

India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has made it clear that Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy remain in the team’s plans, although neither is guaranteed a place in the playing eleven for the T20I final against New Zealand in Hamilton.

Two veteran spinners were part of the squad but had to wait for their opportunities as India stuck to their preferred bowling combination. Their absence was particularly noticeable in the fourth T20I in Auckland, where the Indian attack conceded 259 for seven at the loss of 87 runs.

With India having already wrapped up the five-match series 3-1, there could be room for team management experimentation in Hamilton. However, Bahutule stressed that both spinners understood the dynamics of the selection and continued to prepare whenever called upon.

“They are well prepared to play. But the combination team, whatever they need, it is very important to understand that they may not get that opportunity. They are very aware of that,” Bahutule said at the post-match press conference.

“At the same time, they’re still working behind the scenes. Whenever they’re needed, they’ll actually be ready for it. I think it’s about giving them the opportunity.”

Bahutule expressed hope that the duo could feature in the T20I final or in the upcoming assignments. Kuldeep is part of India’s ODI squad, while Chakravarthy was not selected for the 50-over series.

“Hopefully they will get an opportunity in the next match and the upcoming one-dayers,” he said.

ROLE CLARITY FOR SPINNERS

Explaining India’s approach to spin options, Bahutule said the bowlers were encouraged to attack, although he pointed out that defensive bowling could also be an attacking option depending on the situation.

He highlighted Axar Patel’s ability to operate in the power bowl and adapt to different phases of the innings. Meanwhile, Kuldeep and Chakravarthy were ready to mix it up at different stages if needed.

“I think we encourage our pitchers to attack. Sometimes a defensive role can also be an offensive role. You know what I mean? So there are different situations that we have to handle. Axar is someone who passes in the power play and whatever he’s given, he handles it very well,” Bahutule said.

“When you have Varun and Kuldeep on the wings, they too are ready to jump at any stage. In conditions like this, they play a different role. But they are very clear about what is expected of them.”

ABHISHEK AS BOWLING OPTION

Bahutule also revealed that Abhishek Sharma has been working on his left-arm spin during training, but said any decision to use it in the match will depend on the captain and the conditions.

“Abhishek continues to train. He is someone who is constantly working on his bowling in the nets. He always tries to contribute with his bowling. But it is all about the captain’s instinct on the ground. He has to follow that,” he said.

The coach added that Abhishek was ready to contribute with the ball whenever the situation called for it.

INDIA WATCH IT REBOUND

Bahutule also reflected on India’s difficult outing at Eden Park, where unusual dimensions and short boundaries made life difficult for the bowlers.

He admitted that India were clear about their plans and strengths but could not execute them against New Zealand’s aggressive batting.

“Eden Park, obviously, it’s a challenging ground in terms of size. But I think we were very clear about what we wanted to do. We were clear about our strengths. And we wanted to apply our skills to whatever we could really work towards. But it didn’t happen,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Bahutule felt that India adapted well to the different pitches and conditions in the first three matches. He said the team would assess its options before deciding on a combination for Hamilton.

“We will go to the next place and decide what combination would be ideal. Maybe they will get an opportunity, but we will see how it goes in Hamilton,” he said.

Bahutule also pointed to the early wickets India lost in the powerplay as a significant factor in the defeat, suggesting that the collapse of the batting compounded the problems caused by New Zealand’s large numbers.

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