Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has raised his concerns over Kuldeep Yadav’s loss of confidence after the debacle in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. The left-arm spinner is an integral part of the Indian team’s T20I set-up and will be crucial to the team’s success in the upcoming five-match series and the subsequent T20 World Cup 2026 as well.

Kuldeep had a horrid series with the ball against the Kiwis, with him picking up only three wickets at an average of 60.68 and with an economy rate of 7.28. The Men in Blue eventually lost the series 1-2, marking their first-ever ODI series loss to the Kiwis at home. Reflecting upon Kuldeep’s struggles, Ashwin addressed what went wrong with the leg-spinner against the visitors and how it could affect his confidence. 

"New Zealand batters took the proactive approach against the Indian spinners by taking them on immediately. Kuldeep Yadav is one of the finest bowlers. He has all the tools. But before the T20 World Cup, his confidence would have come down a bit," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

The former India off-spinner also voiced his concerns over the lack of experiments from the left-arm unorthodox spinner while he was taken to cleaners by the New Zealand batters, especially Daryl Mitchell.

"My only submission to Kuldeep Yadav would be asking him to experiment a little more. When a batter is batting as well as Daryl Mitchell is against you, and wickets aren't falling, we have to make the play. His wagon wheel will show you no runs on the offside because of a closed bottom hand. I am concerned that Kuldeep didn't do this in all three ODIs," he added.

Ashwin urges Indian spinners to be more creative

The 39-year-old was not impressed with how the experienced duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bowled in the series. The left-arm spinner remained wicketless in the whole series, whereas Jayden Lexxon impressed everyone with his control and variations.

"Many saw Lennox's bowling and criticized Jadeja and Kuldeep's bowling. Yes, both are in a situation where they have to expand their game. Both the Indian spinners can be a bit more creative," said Ashwin.

Team India will now take on the Kiwis in a five-match T20I series, the first of which will be played at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur on January 21.