Bhuvneshwar Kumar dropped? R Ashwin predicts India's likely XI for 4th T20I in Auckland

Bhuvneshwar Kumar dropped? R Ashwin predicts India's likely XI for 4th T20I in Auckland originally appeared on Cricket News . Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . KEY TAKEAWAYS: Ravichandran Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be dropped for India 's fourth T20I against New Zealand . Ashwin suggested a spinner or Mayank Yadav could replace the experienced pacer. India's combination may depend on ground dimensions, with remaining venues expected to offer less assistance to spinners. MORE: India vs New Zealand 4th T20I predicted playing XI R Ashwin weighs in on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's place in India's XI for 4th T20I India needs to make some selections before the fourth T20I against New Zealand, as senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin doubts whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar will keep his spot in the playing XI. Ashwin feels India can bring in another spinner or quick, Mayank Yadav, in place of Bhuvneshwar as the team plans to balance its bowling in the remaining games of the series. "The way Bhuvi has bowled, a spinner or Mayank (Yadav) might take his place, and I will not be surprised," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel . The decision also depends on the grounds and conditions at the remaining venues where the pitch will favour fast bowlers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has claimed just one wicket in three T20Is against New Zealand since returning to the aquad after nearly four years. He also struggled to contain the opposition, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.58. Bhuvneshwar Kumar in first three T20Is against New Zealand Matches 3 Wickets 1 Economy rate 11.58 MORE: Jadeja loses No. 1 ICC Test all-rounder crown after 4-year reign to Jansen Ashwin questions India's options with smaller grounds ahead Ashwin mentioned how the grounds used in the first two games could have aided India's spinners to a great extent, whereas the same proved difficult for New Zealand's spinners in the third T20I. "We can also rotate the way New Zealand are doing. But before you look to do that, we must keep in mind that the first two games were on a big ground where you could've used spinners. In the third T20I, even New Zealand's spinners were of no use. In the next two games, the grounds will be even smaller. So I am not sure if spinners can play there," he added. Thus, the former Indian spinner's statement reflects the situation of India. While the rotation policy can be considered for the management of the bowlers, the small grounds which India are going to face in the upcoming games may become a challenge for the batters. MORE: India’s batting belief is reaching frightening levels Should India drop Bhuvneshwar Kumar? India needs to think through their bowling combinations and not just opt to change the team only for rotation. Bhuvneshwar's experience remains important during the powerplay and at the death overs, but he can play depending on his effectiveness and the duties that need to be done by him. Mayank Yadav can bring a different aspect to the game with his pace, and a spinner can prove useful if conditions permit. Yet, small grounds may prove difficult for spinners as well as fast bowlers. Ashwin's evaluation makes a good point about selection, but excluding Bhuvneshwar from the team is not definite. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook , Instagram , and X (Twitter) pages.