India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said on Friday, 30 October that the team management would assess conditions in Hamilton before finalising the playing combination for the fifth T20I against New Zealand, hinting that wrist-spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav — both unused in the series so far — could finally get their chance.

Context: India's Heaviest T20I Concession

The backdrop to Bahutule's comments was a chastening defeat at Eden Park, Auckland. Having won the toss in the fourth T20I, India were made to pay as Glenn Phillips blazed 107 off 49 balls and Michael Bracewell added 65 off 25 deliveries, propelling New Zealand to 259/7 — their highest-ever T20I total. It was also the highest total India have ever conceded in the format. India's reply crumbled to 172/9, resulting in an 87-run defeat. Despite the loss, India retain an unassailable lead in the series.

What Bahutule Said About the Spin Duo

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bahutule was measured about the prospect of introducing Chakaravarthy and Yadav. 'They might get an opportunity, but let's see how it turns out at Hamilton,' he said. He added that both bowlers have been professional about their peripheral role, remaining match-ready without complaint. 'They are very much aware of it. At the same time, they keep working behind the doors. Whenever they are needed, they will be ready for it,' Bahutule said.

He elaborated that the final call would only come once the squad arrives at the venue and evaluates pitch dimensions and conditions. 'We will decide once we reach Hamilton. Decide after having a look at the pitch, the dimensions again, conditions again. Then the decision will be taken,' he added. The fifth T20I is scheduled for Sunday in Hamilton.

Attacking Spin Philosophy and the 2028 World Cup Eye

Bahutule also spoke about India's spin-bowling philosophy in New Zealand, a country that will co-host the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup alongside Australia. He stressed that India encourage their bowlers to attack, while adapting to match situations. He singled out Axar Patel as a template for versatility, noting that the left-arm spinner executes effectively regardless of the over he is given. On Chakaravarthy and Yadav, he said: '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.'

Abhishek Sharma's Bowling and Sooryavanshi's Progress

On whether opener Abhishek Sharma could contribute with his left-arm spin, Bahutule confirmed the young batter puts in regular bowling work during nets, but said any on-field deployment would rest entirely with captain Shreyas Iyer. 'He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But it's all about the captain's instinct on the ground,' he noted.

Bahutule also commented on teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's bowling ambitions, calling him 'very keen' but conceding there was still time before he could be trusted with the ball in a match. 'If he can bowl those one or two overs in a T20, and then hopefully in the one-dayers whenever his time comes. But behind the scenes, he is working towards it and he is very serious about his bowling,' Bahutule said. With the series already sealed and the one-day leg approaching, the coming days offer a genuine audition window for India's bench-strength spinners.