Not Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Aakash Chopra picks a bowler India should rest for 4th NZ vs IND 2026 T20I

Former opener Aakash Chopra wants India to rest left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland. Admitting that he has been India's best bowler on show in the series, Chopra backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to retain his place in the playing XI despite his underwhelming comeback to international cricket.

India are 3-0 up in the five-match series against New Zealand. They will take on the Black Caps at the Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30. With the series in the bag, the visitors might ponder some changes to the playing XI.

During a discussion on Cricinfo, Chopra urged India to rest Arshdeep and retain Bhuvneshwar in the playing XI in Auckland. He commented:

"I'll do that. Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't really looked the same. This is a kind of very lukewarm comeback to international cricket is what we have seen so far. He has conceded a lot of runs. He's not bowling the death overs at all. Always in excess of 40s. Touched 50 once in the three games that he's played. But I'll still play him."

"There is a temptation to play the better of the two, that is Arshdeep. But Arshdeep is going to be there for the ODIs as well. So maybe rest him. Series is already in the bag," Chopra added.

Arshdeep has claimed four wickets in three matches at an average of 27.75 and an economy rate of 9.25. As for Bhuvneshwar, he has picked up just one wicket at an average of 139 and an economy rate of 11.58.

"Play Mayank" - Chopra on who can replace Arshdeep for 4th NZ vs IND 2026 T20I

Chopra has backed Mayank Yadav to return to the playing XI for the fourth T20I in case Arshdeep is rested. Praising Mayank for his bowling effort in the first T20I in Christchurch, the former India batter said:

"Play Mayank, play Prince. Because Mayank, the first game that he played, he was India's exceptional bowler. The best bowler India had that day. First two overs, 11 runs, a wicket of Tim Seifert. So, he did well. But then he had to be rested for whatever reason. But now, if there is a possibility, he must play."

Mayank registered figures of 1-40 from four overs in the opening T20I of the series. He dismissed the dangerous Seifert for 24 off 17, but was not picked for the subsequent two matches.

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