Sairaj Bahutule explains why Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy are warming the benches in NZ vs IND 2026 T20I series

India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has explained that frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have not got an opportunity in the T20I series in New Zealand because the Men in Blue are going in with a specific team combination. He, however, asserted that both Kuldeep and Chakravarthy are working hard in the nets and will be ready if the opportunity arises.

India went down to New Zealand by 87 runs at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30 in the fourth T20I of the five-match series. Bowling first, India conceded 259-7 as Glenn Phillips (107 off 49) and Michael Bracewell (65 off 25) went absolutely berserk. In the chase, India were held to 172-9.

The Men in Blue did not play either Kuldeep or Chakravarthy in Auckland even though the visitors had already clinched the series. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bahutule defended the move and said:

"I think more than anything, they (Kuldeep and Varun) are well prepared to play. But the combination team, whatever they need, it's very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity. They are very much aware of it.

"At the same time, they keep working behind the doors. Whenever they are needed, in fact, they will be ready for it. I think it's a question of giving them the opportunity. Hopefully, in the next game they will get the opportunity," the former India spinner added.

Kuldeep has the experience of 56 T20Is in which he has claimed 98 wickets at an average of 14.20 and an economy rate of 7.10. In 49 T20Is, Chakravarthy has picked up 75 wickets at an average of 17.34 and an economy rate of 7.58.

"He always tries to contribute through his bowling" - Bahutule on Abhishek Sharma

During the press conference, Bahutule admitted that India have the option of using Abhishek Sharma's services as a left-arm spinner. He, however, added that it's up to the captain to decide if and when he wants to exercise the option. Bahutule commented:

"Abhishek keeps practising. He is somebody who, in the nets, keeps working on his bowling. He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But it's all about the captain's instinct on the ground. He has to go according to that. Sometimes, you get a chance. You can get a chance by looking at the conditions. But they are very much prepared. In any situation, I think the opportunity will be given. They will surely go there and execute their skills."

Abhishek has claimed 12 wickets in T20Is at an average of 25.58 and an economy rate of 8.48, with a best of 3-17.

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