'Literally belies logic for me' - Murali Kartik slams Team India's playing XI selection for 1st ODI vs New Zealand

At Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, India fielded a playing XI that immediately drew scrutiny from former spinner Murali Kartik. The side for the first ODI in the five-match series featured Axar Patel and Naman Dhir as the spin-bowling combination, while several notable players remained absent from the match. Kuldeep Yadav had been warming the bench throughout the tour, including the preceding five-match T20I series. Mohammed Siraj's removal from the XI also caught Kartik's attention. Kartik, who represented India and played for Kolkata Knight Riders, expressed his bewilderment at the selection logic.