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'No. 1 Spinner in the World': Chahal Backs Kuldeep Yadav After Tough Day in Rajkot

Cricket Gully | January 16, 2026 9:39 PM CST

Kuldeep Yadav had an off day against New Zealand in the second ODI on January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Daryl Mitchell and Co. took him to the cleaners on the same day.

With Michael Bracewell asking to bat first on a challenging surface, India scored 284/7 in their 50 overs. The Men in Blue were short on 20-30 runs even though they had runs on the board.

The Kiwi openers were dismissed cheaply by Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. It was hoped by Captain Shubhman Gill that Kuldeep Yadav, the star spinner, would create havoc through the middle overs. But, he didn't last against two amazing spinners - Daryl Mitchell and Will Young. The NZ spinners played really well and scored amazingly for the team.

Young was dismissed in the 38th over by Kuldeep, but NZ already had acquired a commanding position. Kuldeep, however, finished with 1/82 in 10 overs. This was the third time that he surrendered more than 80 runs in an ODI innings.

But, despite the setback, Yuzvendra Chahal had his back by lending him support. Chahal called Kuldeep as the No. 1 spinner in the world. This was such a nice gesture by Yuzvendra Chahal to support and back him in the tough time.

Also read: [Watch] Suryakumar Yadav’s Unique Prep for IND vs NZ 2026: Nets With Teammates, Chill Time With Pets

India had to embrace a loss by seven wickets. The team played well. Daryl Mitchell scored an amazing 131 not out off 117 balls, where he hit 11 fours and 2 sixes. He was supported by Young in a commendable manner during his 87-run knock off 98 deliveries.

Kuldeep indeed had a rough day in Rajkot on January 14, but it is all a part of the game. He definitely is an amazing spinner, as Yuzvendra Chal also backed him by calling him the No. 1 spinner in the world across formats. The Punjab Kings' leg-spinner supported Kuldeep, and it definitely deserves applause.

Ryan ten Doeschate Backs Spinners to Deliver in Indore Decider

Ryan ten Doeschate feels that Kuldeep Yadav and the other Indian spinners are going to perform well in the final match of the ODI series, which is going to take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.

Talking about the spin performance in India’s match, a coaching assistant for India said that they should have bowled ‘a little bit better’ than they did.

The Holkar Stadium has proved to be a favorable ground for Kuldeep Yadav; he bagged five crucial wickets from two ODI matches.