New Zealand defeated India by 87 runs at Eden Park in Auckland on October 30, 2026, in the 4th T20I of the five-match series. The hosts compiled 259 for 7 in their innings, while India's response yielded 172 for 9. India had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series but New Zealand pulled one back.
Spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the non-selection of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, emphasising their preparedness for upcoming opportunities. Both spinners remained on the sidelines at Eden Park, yet Bahutule stressed their readiness for future contests in the remaining T20I and the subsequent five-match ODI series. They haven't played a single T20I so far on the tour.
"I think more than anything, they are well-prepared to play. But whatever combination the team needs, it is very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity, and they are very much aware of it. At the same time, they keep working behind closed doors," Bahutule said.
"Whenever they are needed, in fact, they will be ready for it. So I feel it's just a question of giving them the opportunity. Hopefully, maybe next game and in the coming ODIs as well, they will get opportunities," he added.
Both Kuldeep and Chakravarthy understand the realities of squad rotation in international cricket, according to Bahutule. Their preparation continues regardless of whether they feature in the playing XI on any given day. The coach stressed that when opportunities arrive, whether in the upcoming 5th T20I at Hamilton or in the subsequent ODI series, both spinners will be ready to execute their skills.
Eden Park presented tactical challenges for India's batting unit during the chase. The ground's dimensions, featuring short straight boundaries, combined with cold and windy conditions at the start of play, created difficulties. India lost too many wickets during the powerplay phase, which proved decisive in the chase.
The spin bowling coach discussed the team's bowling approach and the role of different spinners in the squad. He explained that the coaching staff provides clear instructions to all bowlers regarding their expected contributions in varying match situations. Bahutule's comments reflected the team management's confidence in the depth of their spin bowling resources as India prepared for the remaining matches of the tour.
"When you have Varun as well as Kuldeep in the wings, they too are ready to bowl at any stage. They play a different role in conditions like this, but there is a lot of clarity given to them in terms of what is expected from them. Moving forward, when the opportunity arises for them to contribute and play, I am sure they are very well prepared, and that will help them to get better and play more games in the coming tournaments," Bahutule said.
