-1768822501647.webp)
- By Gurmeet Batra
- Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs New Zealand ODIs: New Zealand's standout performer in the ODI series, Daryl Mitchell, revealed that targeting "world-class" Kuldeep Yadav from the outset was a deliberate strategy to influence the game's tempo against the Indian spinner's ability.
Mitchell had unstinted admiration for Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep, despite New Zealand's unmistakable intent to attack him.
New Zealand batter's fierce start set the tone, as he smashed Kuldeep for a straight six off the first delivery of the left-armer's 17th over. Mitchell and Glenn Phillips continued their assault, whipping Kuldeep for massive sixes in the 41st over and the spinner finished with 1/48 from six overs.
"Kuldeep is world-class. There's a reason we try to put him under pressure — when he bowls well, he sets up their whole attack. He can spin the ball both ways and I still think he has a massive role to play for India in the future," Mitchell said.
Mitchell deemed India's decision to bowl first in the decider "understandable."
"We would have done the same. If there's any dew later on, it can become hard to control. As visiting teams, we don't always know the conditions as well as the locals, so you're guessing and trying to make the best decisions together," he added.
On his crucial stand with Glenn Phillips (106) after early wickets, Mitchell said they complemented each other well.
ALSO READ: IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Is It Time For India To Trust Harshit Rana At No. 7?
"With GP, we've got different angles, so we work well as a partnership. He's a very fast runner, so my challenge is trying to keep up with him. We lost a couple of wickets early and the focus was on extending the partnership and putting the pressure back on them," he added.
"He's been out for a long time, so it was awesome to see him come out and do what he does," he said.