The T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and the excitement is building for another thrilling tournament. The upcoming edition will be hosted by the West Indies and the United States, with the pitches in the Caribbean expected to favor slower bowlers and spinners.
India, one of the favorites for the title, will be looking to select a strong spin attack to complement their formidable batting lineup. Here’s a closer look at five spinners who are vying for spots in the Indian team:
Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Yadav has been in excellent form for India across formats and is a likely inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. The left-arm wrist spinner has an impressive T20I record, with 59 wickets in 35 games at an average of 14.10 and an economy of 6.74. He has also performed well in IPL 2024, taking six wickets in four games.
Yuzvendra Chahal:
Yuzvendra Chahal was not initially considered a strong contender for the T20 World Cup squad, but his exceptional performances in IPL 2024 have put him in the reckoning. The right-arm leg break bowler is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 scalps in seven games. He is one shy of claiming 200 IPL wickets and has a strong T20I record with 96 wickets in 80 games.
Ravi Bishnoi:
Ravi Bishnoi has represented India in 24 T20Is, claiming 36 wickets. However, he faces stiff competition for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. He has not had the best of IPL seasons, taking only four wickets in six games. A strong finish to the IPL season could improve his chances, but his inclusion in the squad seems unlikely at the moment.
Ravindra Jadeja:
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain to be included in the T20 World Cup squad. A highly skilled left-arm orthodox spinner, Jadeja has taken 53 T20I wickets at an economy of 7.10. His batting prowess and exceptional fielding ability make him a valuable asset to the team.
Axar Patel:
All-rounder Axar Patel is another spin option for India. He has claimed 49 wickets in T20Is at an economy of 7.26. However, his similarities with Ravindra Jadeja, who is a better batter and fielder, make his inclusion in the squad less likely. Axar could force his way into contention with a strong IPL 2024 season, but his current form (five wickets in seven games) is not encouraging.