The quality of the opposition is an obvious matter of consideration when a cricketer’s performance in a series or a competition is analysed. That said, what also assumes significance is the player’s consistency.
The one-dayers that Team India has played so far this year and is scheduled to play in the coming days, including the Asia Cup, are all part of their preparation for the ODI World Cup, to be held in October-November. No wonder spin will be a big factor in their home conditions when the showpiece event gets underway. But what sort of a look will India’s spin line-up sport?
Given his calibre, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be a constant while Kuldeep Yadav too has been impressive right through the year, having done well so far in the ongoing West Indies T20Is as well. Axar Patel’s ability with the bat, particularly when it comes to hitting the big strokes, is an important aspect that keeps him in the fray.
But all three of them are left-armers, though Kuldeep can spin it the other way, being a chinaman bowler. The question that arises is whether the inclusion of a specialist leg-break or off-break bowler in the squad is essential, as it can provide variety to the spin-bowling group.
“Well, there are options at the team’s disposal when it comes to spinners. It’s always good to have options. But what you need to consider the most are the conditions at the different venues,” former left-arm spinner and national selector Sunil Joshi told The Telegraph on Thursday.
“So, you have to finalise your combination based on the conditions. There can’t be a set template for the games against Australia and England, and that versus South Africa,” Joshi, who represented India in 15 Tests and 69 ODIs, said.
India play Australia and England in Chennai and Lucknow, respectively, in the World Cup. The pitches of both the centres are expected to aid spinners, but against South Africa at Eden Gardens, the team management has to be extra careful in choosing the spin attack given the nature of the surface.
Middle overs
On Indian pitches, the middle overs will once again prove to be crucial. And if the spinners do well in that period of play, the task should become smoother for the teams.
“Those middle overs will matter a great deal. India already have a player like Jadeja, who can restrict the run flow and take wickets as well. But it won’t be a bad idea to also have someone like (Yuzvendra) Chahal in the mix,” Joshi pointed out.
“Not to forget, Chahal has certainly done well in those middle overs. A specialist leg-spinner can always come in handy.”
If one of the spinners can play the role Yuvraj Singh carried out with his left-arm spin when India last won the Cup in 2011, that could again be beneficial to the side, feels Venkatapathy Raju. “Twelve years ago, Yuvraj consistently used to bowl his quota of overs, especially during the middle phase.
“He even took a lot of wickets during that middle phase which went on to be a determining factor behind India’s triumph then. See, it could be a bit risky to bowl only five specialist bowlers on these pitches as anyone among them can have an off day,” the former India left-arm orthodox, who played 28 Tests and 53 ODIs, said.
“At the same time, having specialist off-spinners in the team could be of help,” Raju added.
‘Automatic’ pick
So far in 2023, Kuldeep has picked up 22 wickets from 11 ODI appearances, which reflects the kind of contribution he has had behind India’s wins. Moreover, his economy rate this year is 4.89, which shows he has checked the flow of runs as well.
Not all of his 11 appearances have come on spin-friendly tracks either. It’s almost a given that Kuldeep will be travelling with the squad to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup. “He should be there in the World Cup as well,” Joshi stated.
“He has worked on his variations after losing his place in the team. He has worked on the revolutions on the ball and varying his speed really well lately, hitting the right areas. So he does deserve a place in the team,” Joshi emphasised.
“You will come across pitches in this World Cup where teams can post 300-330-plus totals. So, you ought to keep taking wickets, and Kuldeep is one of your best bets for that.
“He may go for a few runs, but he has this knack of picking up wickets which has to be taken seriously,” Raju said.
So it is going to be a tricky call for India. They are not short on options, but making the right choice will be the key.
