The two spinners remained on the sidelines even as India’s bowling attack endured a torrid outing in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, conceding 259/7 in an 87-run defeat. India though have an unassailable 3-1 lead with a game to go in Hamilton.
India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said senior spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are well aware that they might not get opportunities in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand despite being part of the squad, as the team management continues to stick with its preferred bowling combination. Bahutule, however, said both players understood the realities of team selection and continued to work hard behind the scenes, remaining prepared for an opportunity.
India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said senior spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are well aware that they might not get opportunities in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand despite being part of the squad.
“I think more than anything, they (Kuldeep and Varun) are well prepared to play. But the combination team, whatever they need, it’s very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity. “Hopefully, in the next game and the coming one-dayers, they (Chakravarthy is not part of the ODI squad) will get the opportunity. However, he made it clear that the decision to use him during a match ultimately rests with the captain and depends on the conditions and the situation on the field. “Abhishek keeps practising. He is somebody who, in the nets, keeps working on his bowling. He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But it’s all about the captain’s instinct on the ground. Despite the heavy defeat, Bahutule maintained that India have adapted well to different pitches and conditions in the preceding matches.
They are very much aware of it,” Bahutule said at the post-match press conference. Explaining the team’s approach towards its spin bowling options, Bahutule said they have been encouraged to attack but pointed out that defensive bowling could also serve an attacking purpose depending on the match situation. He has to go according to that. He said the team would reassess its combination before the next game at Hamilton, leaving the possibility of changes open.
