Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing today in IND vs NZ 1st T20I?

It is time for the last preparation ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as India are set for the first game of the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand. The left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav hasn't been included in the playing XI of the T20I series opener, and here we can know the reason for it. 

The Indian playing XI report for Nagpur T20I

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium at Jamtha in Nagpur is hosting the T20I series opener between India and New Zealand on Wednesday evening (January 21). New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first, as the hosts India have to bat first in the first game of the series. Confirming the playing XI, Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav clarified that Shreyas Iyer, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav are in the bench for the Nagpur T20I. 

IND vs NZ 1st T20I: India vs New Zealand Toss Update and Playing XIs

Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing IND vs NZ 1st T20I

The left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was expensive in the recently concluded three-match home ODI series against New Zealand. While he took three wickets in three matches, his bowling average was 60.66 and economy rate was 7.28. 

As the 34-year-old leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is available for the T20I series, who is the no.1-ranked T20I bowler, without any doubt he became the favourite choice for the Indian spin-bowling option. Also, it is a night fixture, where dew plays an important role, and vice-captain Axar Patel is also in the playing XI, so Kuldeep doesn't get the playing XI opportunity for the Nagpur T20I. 

Along with Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are also present for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. As Axar and Sundar are the all-rounders, and Varun is an automatic choice for the spin-bowling option, Kuldeep has to fight for his place for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.