New Delhi | India’s seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the second One Day International at Rajkot has triggered a fresh debate over team selection, particularly the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Reddy and Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI. Despite a fighting unbeaten century by KL Rahul, India failed to defend a total of 284 as Daryl Mitchell’s match-winning knock powered New Zealand to level the three-match series 1–1.
Mitchell’s aggressive approach against Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs proved decisive. The left-arm wrist-spinner, considered one of India’s key weapons, conceded 82 runs in his 10 overs and managed just one wicket. His inability to stem the flow of runs or provide breakthroughs during a crucial phase exposed India’s bowling weaknesses and has raised questions about his role in the final ODI.
Selection concerns have also surfaced around Nitish Reddy, who was included as an all-round option following Washington Sundar’s injury, and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. Critics argue that Nitish’s impact was limited and that a specialist batter such as Yashasvi Jaiswal might have offered greater balance. Similarly, Prasidh’s place has been questioned, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh being viewed by many as a stronger alternative for the decider.
While Kuldeep’s recent performance puts his spot under scrutiny, the absence of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the current squad may force the team management to persist with him in the final ODI. Questions have also been raised over the inclusion of young off-spinner Ayush Badoni in the squad, with experts asking why he was selected if the management is reluctant to show confidence in him at the playing XI level.
India captain Shubman Gill, reflecting on the loss, admitted that the team struggled to take wickets in the middle overs. “We couldn’t pick wickets in the middle phase, and that made things difficult. Even if we had scored 15–20 runs more, the result may not have changed,” Gill said. He also acknowledged missed fielding opportunities and felt the team could have been more aggressive once the pitch eased out.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Bracewell praised his team’s bowling and adaptability. “Our bowlers adjusted well to the conditions and absorbed the pressure. We were confident chasing any target,” he said, lauding Daryl Mitchell and Will Young for steering the chase.
Man of the Match Daryl Mitchell said the key was adapting to conditions and playing responsibly. “Kuldeep is one of the best bowlers in the world, so it was important to read the situation and choose the right options,” he said, adding that winning an ODI in India was a special moment for the team.
As India prepares for the third and final ODI, team selection remains a major talking point. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the decisions taken now could have wider implications for India’s combination and confidence going forward.
