Ambati Rayudu makes special request to Pragyan Ojha for Kuldeep Yadav ahead of IND vs NZ ODIs

Ambati Rayudu Urges India to Give Kuldeep Yadav a Chance in New Zealand ODI Series

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kuldeep Yadav should return to the playing XI for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The left-arm wrist-spinner’s omission from all five T20Is on the tour has renewed debate about his role in India’s plans—and whether he is receiving enough opportunities to make an impact.

Rayudu made his point with a playful suggestion for Pragyan Ojha, India’s current chief selector and a former teammate. He joked that Kuldeep should be named vice-captain, leaving the team management with little choice but to include him. Beneath the humour was a serious argument: Rayudu feels India should back a proven wicket-taker and give him a meaningful run in the side.

Rayudu’s lighthearted message to Pragyan Ojha

Kuldeep’s absence throughout the T20I series stood out, particularly because India adjusted its bowling combination during the matches. The team has often favoured players such as Axar Patel and Naman Dhir, who can offer batting depth alongside their bowling. That flexibility can be valuable in limited-overs cricket, where teams frequently balance specialist bowlers against all-round options.

Even when Axar was rested for the fifth T20I in Hamilton, Kuldeep did not come into the XI. India instead brought back Varun Chakravarthy. The team went on to lose the match by seven wickets, although one defeat alone does not explain the selection decision or determine what India should do next. Still, the choice added to the discussion around Kuldeep’s place in the squad.

Rayudu’s response, as quoted by Cricbuzz, was delivered in a joking tone: “Maybe we should call up Ojha and make Kuldeep Yadav the vice-captain. Ojha, Kuldeep has to play and do something about it. He will take wickets for you.”

The comment carries extra familiarity because Rayudu and Ojha have known each other since their Hyderabad cricket days. They also shared the Mumbai Indians dressing room and were part of the franchise’s IPL title-winning teams in 2013 and 2015. Their history helps explain the easygoing nature of Rayudu’s appeal, even as it highlights a genuine selection question.

Why Kuldeep could matter in the ODI series

India’s decision will depend on conditions, opposition match-ups and the balance of the XI. New Zealand’s batters are generally comfortable building an innings, so a wrist-spinner who can vary pace and turn the ball in both directions may offer a valuable way to break partnerships. Kuldeep’s ability to attack rather than simply contain could be especially useful during the middle overs.

That does not mean his selection should be automatic. India may want batting depth, a particular pace combination or a different spin option depending on the surface. But a specialist bowler needs opportunities to build rhythm and confidence. If Kuldeep is included, a sustained run of matches would give the team a clearer picture than judging him through isolated appearances—or leaving him out altogether.

For fans following the series prediction, Kuldeep’s availability is one of the selection details worth watching. His inclusion could change how India approaches the middle overs, while his omission would suggest the team continues to prioritise flexibility in its bowling and batting balance.

Rayudu backs Mohammed Siraj to lead the pace attack

Rayudu also called for India to continue backing Mohammed Siraj, who could face a heavier workload with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya unavailable. In a five-match ODI series, the fast bowler’s ability to maintain intensity across spells may be as important as his wicket-taking record.

To underline his point, Rayudu referred to Siraj’s recent Ranji Trophy performance. The pacer played on a surface that offered substantial assistance to spinners, yet still delivered a nine-over spell and claimed two wickets. Rayudu praised Siraj’s willingness to keep working for the team even when conditions were not especially favourable to fast bowlers.

“Siraj has played a Ranji Trophy game recently on a rank-turner; he bowled a nine-over spell and took two wickets that looked impossible,” Rayudu said. He added that Siraj puts his body on the line and deserves the team’s support, describing him as fit enough to handle a demanding schedule without complaint.

Rayudu’s comments speak to a broader challenge for India: managing the workload of frontline bowlers while maintaining a reliable attack. Siraj’s new-ball movement, energy and experience could make him central to the ODI plans, but the team will also need to use him carefully across five matches. Support from other quicks and effective spin options would help prevent the pace attack from becoming over-reliant on one player.

Rayudu and Murali Kartik agree on a possible first ODI XI

Rayudu and former India spinner Murali Kartik reportedly selected the same XI for the opening ODI, offering a snapshot of how two former players might balance the side. Their proposed team featured Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, followed by Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.

Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy were included to add all-round options, while Kuldeep was selected as the specialist spinner. The bowling group also featured Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Siraj. Nitish, however, is available only for the first ODI before joining the squad for the two-match Test series, meaning India will need to consider a change after the opening match.

The suggested XI is not an official team announcement, and the final selection will depend on fitness, conditions and the management’s preferred balance. Nevertheless, the agreement between Rayudu and Kartik puts Kuldeep firmly in the conversation ahead of the series.

Selection decisions to shape India’s ODI plans

India’s choices in New Zealand will involve more than selecting the most familiar names. The team must weigh batting depth against specialist bowling, manage Siraj’s workload and decide how best to use its spin resources. Kuldeep’s case sits at the centre of that calculation: he offers a distinctive attacking option, but needs a genuine opportunity to demonstrate his value.

Rayudu’s vice-captain joke may not become a selection proposal, but its message is clear. He wants India to trust Kuldeep, while also urging the team to rely on Siraj’s commitment and fitness. Whether the management follows that advice will be one of the key storylines—and a major factor in any prediction about how India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand unfolds.