Former India spinner R Ashwin has picked his playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand, scheduled to be played on Wednesday, November 4. Ashwin went with a batting-heavy combination featuring three all-rounders, but surprisingly left out wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from his predicted lineup.

India are coming into the ODI series after winning the five-match T20I series 3-2. However, Kuldeep's lack of opportunities during the T20I leg has raised questions about the team's confidence in its frontline wrist-spinner. Ashwin believes the left-arm spinner could once again find himself on the sidelines despite his importance to India's bowling attack.

R Ashwin picks India XI for New Zealand ODI, leaves out Kuldeep Yadav

R Ashwin selected Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as his opening pair, followed by Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. He then included three all-rounders in Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel, leaving room for three specialist fast bowlers.

In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, R Ashwin backed Arshdeep Singh to lead the pace attack. He also named Nabi and Anshul Kamboj, while suggesting that Gurnoor Brar could be another option for the final pace-bowling slots.

Ashwin explained that India's decision to play three all-rounders could leave no place for Kuldeep, with Axar providing the spin option.

"Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and then the three seamers. Maybe Arshdeep, Nabi, and Anshul. If Naman, Nitish, and Axar play, Kuldeep will be out. But I think he will have to sit out anyway because they will go with these three. I think any two from Anshul, Nabi, and Gurnoor can play," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

R Ashwin stunned by Kuldeep Yadav's snub in all 5 T20Is vs New Zealand

Ashwin was also surprised that Kuldeep did not feature in any of the five T20Is against New Zealand. The former spinner questioned the team's handling of the wrist-spinner and suggested that the same selection pattern could continue in the ODI series.

"I will not be surprised if they don't play him. He has to. But the way they are using him, it is quite crazy. If you have to take one spinner to South Africa, it has to be Kuldeep," Ashwin said.

He also criticised India's inability to restrict Daryl Mitchell's scoring areas during the T20I series. Ashwin pointed out that 94 per cent of Mitchell's runs came on the leg side and felt the Indian bowlers repeatedly failed to adjust their lines.

"94% of Daryl Mitchell's runs have been on the leg-side. And if this was once, it's fine. In five T20Is on the trot, India were not able to bowl wide. Let that sink in. This is international cricket. It is a big thing. I would be really concerned," he said.

Varun Chakravarthy has done well too - R Ashwin

Ashwin also discussed Varun Chakaravarthy, who played only one match in the T20I series after returning from injury. He believes India need to get the mystery spinner back to his best rather than leave him short of opportunities.

"Varun has done well too. He did not play four games in this series. He is coming back from injury. How will you bring him back into form? He looked up and down, but that can happen after returning from injury. We need to get him back at his best. If that is not happening, what are your other options for spin? Who is your wicket-taking spinner?" he questioned.