"I wanted to see him in the T20Is as well" - Ajinkya Rahane on India's bowling attack heading into NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs

Former India player Ajinkya Rahane has opined that the Men in Blue should include two spinners in their playing XI in the ODI series against New Zealand. The analyst added that Kuldeep Yadav should be given a chance, highlighting that he wanted to see the left-arm wrist-spinner play even in the preceding T20I series.

The first ODI of the five-match series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. Kuldeep is the only specialist spinner in the Indian squad, with Axar Patel and Naman Dhir being the spin-bowling all-rounders.

Previewing the series on SonyLIV, Rahane reckoned Kuldeep should get an opportunity in the ODIs against the Kiwis after sitting out the entire T20I series.

"The Indian team might go with two spinners. Axar Patel will definitely play because he is an all-rounder and can bat as well. I want to see Kuldeep Yadav get a chance in the ODI series. He is a wicket-taker. I wanted to see him in the T20Is as well, but he couldn't play," he said.

The former India batter added that Nitish Kumar Reddy's presence for the first ODI should open up a spot for the potent spinner.

"However, I am sure Team India will go with two spinners in the ODIs. Since Nitish Kumar Reddy is playing just one match, they will have to set the combination properly. That's the first match. So you can try Kuldeep Yadav there," Rahane observed.

Kuldeep Yadav has picked up 201 wickets at an economy rate of 5.08 in 121 ODI innings. He has accounted for 10 dismissals at an economy rate of 5.35 in five ODI innings in New Zealand.

"These conditions might be useful for him" - Ajinkya Rahane on Auqib Nabi ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 ODIs

In the same interaction, Ajinkya Rahane noted that while Prasidh Krishna is unfortunate to miss the ODI series due to injury, Auqib Nabi could prove handy in New Zealand conditions.

"Prasidh Krishna is unfortunate that he is going through an injury because he has done well recently in whatever chances he has gotten, whether it's Tests or ODIs. However, if someone is injured, someone else gets an opportunity. So, it's an opportunity for Auqib Nabi. These conditions might be useful for him," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the other four frontline pacers also have an excellent opportunity to do well in potentially seamer-friendly conditions.

"We get to see swing and seam movement in New Zealand, and Auqib Nabi is a seam bowler who bowls consistently in good areas. If you see along with him, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are experienced, Gurnoor Brar has come recently in the team, and Anshul Kamboj is also getting chances recently. All four have an opportunity to do well," Rahane observed.

Ajinkya Rahane pointed out that Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will have to shoulder the seam attack's responsibility. He highlighted that the duo are experienced and know how to bowl in every condition.

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