Former India manager Sunil Subramanian questioned India’s T20 World Cup spin selection and all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s role.
India’s T20 World Cup squad selection has garnered discussion, particularly regarding the spin attack and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. While Pandya was named vice-captain, his form has been under scrutiny. Additionally, the inclusion of four specialist spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja—left some questioning the team’s balance.
Former India manager Sunil Subramanian believes India might have too many spin-bowling all-rounders. In an interview with the Times of India, he suggested including batter Rinku Singh instead of Axar Patel and fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed for Hardik Pandya.
Subramanian also doubted whether both wrist spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, will see significant playing time together, especially on smaller grounds like the one in Nassau County, New York. He suggests India might only play one spinner against Pakistan, potentially Ravindra Jadeja, to prioritise pace bowlers who can bowl yorkers at the death.
“There is no way both wrist spinners will play, especially in Nassau County, New York. It is a small ground with a short, straight boundary. They may play with only one spinner, and that could be Jadeja,” said Subramanian.
While excitement surrounds the potential reunion of Kuldeep and Chahal, Subramanian believes it is unlikely they will be picked together consistently. He suggested a scenario where both spinners might play only if India faces a must-win situation or if Hardik Pandya’s bowling is limited. He also dismissed the possibility of dropping Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to accommodate both wrist spinners.
“Only if they are in a must-win situation. They will err on the side of caution,” said Subramanian regarding both wrist spinners playing.
Meanwhile, India will be having their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5th, followed by a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9th.
Last Updated on May 31, 2024