IND vs NZ 2026: 'Kuldeep Yadav is No.1 spinner in the world' - Yuzvendra Chahal backs Indian star after off day in Rajkot

Published - 15 Jan 2026, 20:49 IST | Updated - 15 Jan 2026, 20:51 IST

Kuldeep Yadav had one of his toughest outings in international cricket in the second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. He was taken to the cleaners by Daryl Mitchell and Co. on Wednesday, January 14.

India managed to score 284/7 in their 50 overs after being asked to bat first by Michael Bracewell on a challenging surface. While the Men in Blue had runs on the board, they seemed to be 20-30 runs short of a par score.

Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna dismissed the Kiwi openers cheaply, and captain Shubman Gill would have hoped that his star spinner Kuldeep Yadav would wreak havoc through the middle overs. However, the experienced campaigner looked ineffective against two fantastic players of spin - Daryl Mitchell and Will Young.

Kuldeep dismissed Young in the 38th over, but the Black Caps had already got themselves into a commanding position. The left-arm wrist spinner eventually finished with figures of 1/82 in 10 overs. This turned out to be the third time Kuldeep conceded more than 80 runs in an ODI innings.

However, despite the setback, Kuldeep received support from his former Indian teammate, Yuzvendra Chahal. The Punjab Kings' leg-spinner hailed Kuldeep as the No. 1 spinner in world cricket across formats.

"Kuldeep Yadav is no.1 SPINNER in whole WORLD! #Champion #AnyFormat @imkuldeep18," said Chahal on X (formerly Twitter).

India lost the match by seven wickets as the tourists romped home in 47.3 overs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored for the Kiwis with a stunning 131 not out off 117 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Young also supported him commendably during his 87-run knock off 98 deliveries.

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The three-match series is tied at 1-1. The third and final ODI is scheduled to be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.