IND vs NZ 2026: Chahal Backs Kuldeep Yadav After Rajkot Horror, Calls Him World’s Best Spinner

In the second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Kuldeep Yadav had one of his most difficult performances in international cricket. On Wednesday, January 14, Daryl Mitchell and Co. took him to the cleaners. Michael Bracewell asked India to bat first on a difficult surface, and they managed to score 284/7 in their 50 overs. The Men in Blue appeared to be 20–30 runs short of a par score despite having runs on the board.

Kuldeep has only taken two wickets in his first two games, giving up 134 runs at an average of 67 in 19 overs. The spinner let up 82 runs in his ten overs during the Rajkot encounter as Will Young and Daryl Mitchell destroyed him. The Kiwi openers were cheaply bowled by Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, and captain Shubman Gill would have anticipated that his star spinner Kuldeep Yadav would cause chaos in the middle overs. However, the seasoned campaigner appeared ineffectual against Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, two excellent spin players.

IND vs NZ 2026 Update:

Chahal saved Kuldeep on social media despite his lacklustre performance thus far. He referred to Kuldeep as the world's greatest spinner in all three game types in a touching post on X. He wrote, "Kuldeep Yadav is no.1 SPINNER in whole WORLD! #Champion #AnyFormat @imkuldeep18."

Kuldeep Yadav is no.1 SPINNER in whole WORLD ❤️🧿 #Champion#AnyFormat@imkuldeep18 🇮🇳 🫡

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) January 15, 2026

In 70 ODI matches, Chahal and Kuldeep combined to take 130 wickets, making them a lethal duo. With 70 scalps under his belt, Kuldeep led the way, while Chahal had 60. The visitors easily won in 47.3 overs, and India lost by seven wickets. With an incredible 131 not out off 117 balls, including two sixes and 11 fours, Daryl Mitchell led the Kiwis in scoring. During his 87-run knock off 98 deliveries, Young also provided him with excellent support. There is a 1-1 tie in the three-match series. On Sunday, January 18, the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore will host the third and final ODI.

Watch this space for more cricket news and updates.