Ajinkya Rahane has backed left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for inclusion in India's playing XI during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Kuldeep was selected in India's squad for the five-match T20I series but did not feature in any of the matches as India won the series 3–2. The ODI series begins on November 4, 2026, and Rahane believes this format offers the wrist spinner an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities at international level.

Rahane expressed his views on India's selection strategy during discussions about the team's approach for the ODI matches. The former India captain emphasised that Kuldeep possesses the ability to take wickets and merits a place in the shorter 50-over format, forging a formidable spin duo alongside Axar Patel.

"The Indian team might go with two spinners. Axar Patel will definitely play because he is an all-rounder and can bat as well. I want to see Kuldeep Yadav get a chance in the ODI series. He is a wicket-taker. I wanted to see him in the T20Is as well, but he couldn't play," Rahane said while previewing the series on SonyLIV.

Why should Kuldeep Yadav get an ODI opportunity?

Rahane elaborated on how India's squad composition could facilitate Kuldeep's inclusion in the playing XI. The all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's presence in the squad provides balance and flexibility to the team's combination, which could create an opening for the wrist spinner in the first ODI. Rahane highlighted that this squad depth allows the team management to experiment with different combinations.

"However, I am sure Team India will go with two spinners in the ODIs. Since Nitish Kumar Reddy is playing just one match, they will have to set the combination properly. That's the first match. So you can try Kuldeep Yadav there," Rahane said.

Kuldeep Yadav was included in India's squad for the first three ODIs of the series. His previous ODI appearance occurred on October 3, 2026, against West Indies. The selection debate reflected India's ongoing efforts to balance their spin attack with batting depth and all-round capability in the ODI format.