Gautam Gambhir offers no sympathy to Kuldeep Yadav after 4th ODI horror show

Gautam Gambhir has dismissed concerns over Kuldeep Yadav‘s lack of playing time after the Indian spinner endured a difficult outing in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. Kuldeep conceded 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket, prompting questions about his rhythm and confidence after limited opportunities during the tour.

India had expected the wrist-spinner to make an impact at Bay Oval, but New Zealand’s batters made the most of his bowling spell. Will Young and Finn Allen attacked Kuldeep as the hosts posted 333 runs in their allotted 50 overs on Friday.

Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik Show Concern for Kuldeep Yadav

During the mid-innings break, former India head coach Ravi Shastri suggested that Kuldeep’s lack of regular appearances may have affected his confidence and rhythm. Shastri pointed out that returning to the playing XI after several matches on the sidelines can create additional pressure for a player.

Speaking to the broadcasters, Shastri explained that Kuldeep had played one match before spending several games out of the team. He felt New Zealand’s aggressive batting approach prevented the spinner from settling into his rhythm.

“You’re playing one game, then you’re out for five games, then you come back. The pressure is on you, no matter how many wickets you’ve taken. You will feel the heat, and I just got the feeling that, the pressure was showing on him. Sometimes you’re short of confidence but you’re looking for rhythm, which New Zealand didn’t allow him to get,” said Shastri.

Dinesh Karthik, who previously captained Kuldeep at Kolkata Knight Riders, also expressed sympathy while acknowledging that the spinner had not delivered the performance India needed.

Karthik believed that playing an ODI after spending a considerable period on the sidelines could be challenging, particularly during an overseas tour. He also suggested that an early wicket might have helped Kuldeep settle into the contest.

“I feel bad for Kuldeep. He has been part of the team for some time now. On a tour like this, when you’ve not played, and suddenly play an ODI game, it could be hard work. I don’t think he bowled very poorly. A couple of small moments went against him. He probably needed a wicket very early in his spell to feel good about himself, which he didn’t manage today. He tried his best, but the opportunities weren’t created as much,” said Karthik.

Gautam Gambhir Rejects the Lack of Game-Time Argument

Unlike Shastri and Karthik, Gautam Gambhir did not appear convinced by the argument that Kuldeep’s performance was primarily the result of insufficient playing opportunities. The India head coach stressed that international players must make the most of every opportunity they receive.

Speaking after India’s defeat in the fourth ODI, Gambhir explained that overseas conditions often influence team selection, especially when deciding how many specialist spinners and fast bowlers to include in the playing XI.

He also reminded Kuldeep that he had featured in three ODIs against the West Indies at home in October. According to Gambhir, the spinner had received enough opportunities this year and needed to deliver when selected.

“Look, game time will always be limited [as a spinner] when you travel overseas,” Gambhir said. “But whatever opportunities you get, you try and make the most of it. It’s not that he hasn’t got enough game time. He played three ODIs against West Indies [at home in October]. And then when you are travelling a place like New Zealand, and when you know the dimensions [of the grounds] and you know the conditions, sometimes you go with three seamers and you go with four seamers as well [as India did in the first three ODIs], and that is exactly what we did.”

‘You Can’t Keep Thinking That He Hasn’t Got Enough Opportunities’

Gambhir further explained that maintaining rhythm is part of the responsibility of an international cricketer. He argued that players cannot repeatedly use limited game time as an explanation for disappointing performances.

The India coach also extended the same expectation to batters, making it clear that every member of the team must be prepared to contribute whenever an opportunity arrives.

“So, I think this debate about less game time, getting into rhythm – I think when you are playing international cricket, you should try and be in that rhythm most of the time. And whatever opportunities you get, you should try and make the most of it. It’s the same for batters as well. Because you can’t keep thinking that he hasn’t got enough opportunities,” said Gambhir.

Kuldeep Yadav’s ODI Numbers in 2026

Kuldeep’s difficult performance against New Zealand has added to the scrutiny surrounding his returns this year. He has played eight matches in 2026, taking 10 wickets at an average of 46.4 and an economy rate of 6.35.

Those numbers provide context to his recent struggles, although his performance in a single match does not tell the complete story of his contribution to Indian Cricket. The fourth ODI, however, highlighted the challenge of making an immediate impact after limited opportunities in the playing XI.

Pressure on Kuldeep After a Difficult Outing

The contrasting reactions from Shastri, Karthik and Gambhir have brought attention to the expectations placed on India’s experienced players. While the former cricketers highlighted the difficulties of returning after a spell on the sidelines, Gambhir focused on individual responsibility and making the most of available chances.

For Kuldeep, the immediate challenge will be to regain his confidence and deliver stronger performances whenever he gets another opportunity. His 73-run spell without a wicket against New Zealand was a setback, but the response in his next appearance will be important in determining how he moves forward.