Kuldeep Yadav dropped as India reshuffle XI for fifth T20I vs New Zealand

India made several changes to their playing XI for the fifth and final T20 International against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, leaving star spinner Kuldeep Yadav out of the team. The decision surprised many fans as Kuldeep has been a key part of India’s spin attack in recent years.

Instead of Kuldeep, India brought back mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who had missed the third and fourth matches of the series. The move is seen as part of India’s strategy to finalize their combination before the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to begin soon.

Kuldeep’s absence is not believed to be due to injury but rather part of team management decisions and tactical adjustments. Team insiders indicated that Kuldeep had been included in earlier matches to work on specific aspects of his bowling and regain rhythm ahead of major tournaments. However, his performances in the ongoing series did not stand out enough to secure his place in the final game.

Chakaravarthy’s return gives India a different spin option. Known for his variations and mystery deliveries, he can be difficult for batters to read. The team management appears keen to test different bowling combinations before the World Cup, and this match provided an opportunity to try alternatives.

India have been experimenting with their lineup throughout the series, rotating players and testing combinations. With the World Cup approaching, selectors and team management want to ensure the best possible squad is ready for the global event.

Kuldeep replaced as team experiments

Kuldeep Yadav has been one of India’s most successful wrist spinners in white-ball cricket, but recent team strategies suggest that competition for spin spots has increased. With players like Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakaravarthy also available, team management is looking at multiple options.

Sources suggest Kuldeep’s inclusion earlier in the series was part of a long-term plan rather than a guarantee of playing every match. The coaching staff reportedly wanted him to focus on improving consistency and sharpening certain bowling variations.

In contrast, Chakaravarthy brings a different challenge for batters due to his unpredictable deliveries. His return is seen as an attempt to strengthen India’s bowling attack with variety, especially ahead of the World Cup.

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Apart from the change in spin bowling, India also made two additional changes to the squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan returned to the playing XI after recovering from a minor injury that kept him out of earlier matches. All-rounder Axar Patel also returned after recovering from a hand injury suffered during the opening game of the series.

These changes indicate India’s intent to field a strong and balanced side while also ensuring players returning from injuries get match practice before the big tournament.

India choose to bat first

India won the toss and chose to bat first in the match. Captain Suryakumar Yadav explained that dew was expected later in the evening, which often makes bowling difficult as the ball becomes slippery and harder to grip.

Suryakumar said the team wanted to challenge themselves by defending a target under difficult conditions, giving bowlers valuable experience before the World Cup. He added that the pitch looked good for batting and was expected to remain consistent throughout the match.

According to the Indian captain, the team had observed heavy dew during practice sessions and believed batting first would allow them to put pressure on New Zealand later in the game. He also mentioned that the pitch curator indicated the surface would play well for the full duration of the match.

New Zealand, meanwhile, fielded a strong lineup featuring Tim Seifert as wicketkeeper, along with explosive batters Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra. Their middle order included Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, while Mitchell Santner led the side. Their bowling attack featured experienced names like Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, and Kyle Jamieson.

India’s playing XI featured Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson at the top, followed by Ishan Kishan, captain Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube. Axar Patel strengthened the all-round options, while the bowling attack included Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.

The final match of the series is crucial for both teams as they aim to finish on a strong note and test combinations ahead of future tournaments. For India, the focus remains on finalizing a settled playing XI before the T20 World Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav’s absence may disappoint fans, but team management decisions appear focused on long-term planning rather than short-term results. As competition within the squad increases, players will need consistent performances to secure spots in major tournaments.

With experiments continuing and players returning from injuries, this match offers both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations. Fans will now watch closely to see whether India’s new combination delivers the desired results ahead of the upcoming global event.