"You have a proven match-winner in him" - Mohammad Kaif on India's playing 11 changes for NZ vs IND 2026 5th T20I

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif discussed India's playing 11 and the changes they should look to make for the fifth T20I against New Zealand. The game will be played on Sunday, November 1, in Hamilton.

Talking about the bowling attack, he believed India could rest a fast bowler and bring in either Varun Chakaravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav. Mohammad Kaif reckoned Axar Patel would continue playing as the one spinner given the all-round balance he brings.

He expressed that Varun Chakaravarthy could come in for either Mayank Yadav or Prince Yadav. Kaif reflected that India could do better in terms of conceding big totals by playing Varun, citing the examples of how New Zealand spinners Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner have done well in this series.

"Axar Patel is set. He will not be removed. He brings the balance. He is the only spinner in the XI. So, he will be backed. In India, Varun is ahead of Kuldeep for that extra spinner role. Varun and Axar will play. Maybe one fast bowler will be out. Either Mayank or Prince. So if a spinner has to come in, it will be in place of either Mayank or Prince. But I am talking about the future. They will not do it here. But I feel they can stop the run flow if Varun plays. He has a fifer in South Africa. All fast bowlers are getting hit. So why not play Varun? You have a proven match-winner in him. Bracewell and Santner have done well and picked wickets too. He has that ability too," he explained in a video on his YouTube channel.

Varun has done well in overseas countries, as highlighted by Mohammad Kaif. In five games in Australia, he has as many wickets at an average of 16.40 and an economy rate of 6.83. In four matches in South Africa, he has 12 wickets at an average of 11.50 and an economy rate of 8.62.

Mohammad Kaif on what Indian bowlers can do better

India's bowlers, particularly the fast bowlers, have had a tough time in this series, going for big runs throughout. Mohammad Kaif advised the pacers to bowl more yorkers on such small grounds. He reckoned that the yorker could be the best weapon in batting-friendly conditions.

"These bowlers need to bowl more yorkers. I am talking about the primary bowlers. Mayank and Prince both got wickets with the yorker. In high-scoring games, only the yorker can save you. A perfect yorker is the best ball and the wicket-taking ball too. Bumrah did that during the semi-final against England. India won because of that. You need to read the conditions well. They need to bowl more yorkers. If you make the yorker your prime weapon, it will definitely help you. But it has to land perfectly too. If not, you will get hit for sure," he reflected.

All of India's fast bowlers, except Arshdeep Singh, have had an economy rate of over 10 in the series so far. With just one game remaining in the series, they will aim to put up a better performance.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️