Ravi Bishnoi will be competing for his spot against Yuzvendra Chahal
The emergence of Ravi Bishnoi as a prominent spinner not only enriches India’s spin resources, but also creates plenty of competition. With India expected to take not more than three spinners for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States next June, six spinners will be vying for three spots. With variety being the key element, and India having just six more T20Is to play ahead of the World Cup, the next edition of the IPL will be the one that decides who makes the cut.
It is the trickiest decision of the lot. Both are almost identical in terms of what they offer with the ball and are also livewires on the field. They are both capable of bowling those quiet overs that don’t allow batsmen to free their arms or get underneath the deliveries. If the pacers are leaking runs, it is invariably one of these two that a captain would turn to. But here is the catch. In T20s, playing two left-arm spinners could be counter-productive and hence, there is space for only one of them to make the squad. While Jadeja, with all his experience, is still ahead of Axar in the pecking order, their contributions with the bat could end up deciding who makes the cut. While Jadeja has evolved into a complete batsman, in shorter formats it is Axar who has an edge, especially because of his range and ability to hit spinners and pacers with equal effectiveness.
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Ravi Bishnoi
One who is slower through the air and prefers giving flight standing against one who bowls with a flat trajectory and is quick. In the leg-spin department, the two bring entirely different qualities to the table. For some reason, despite having good returns in the IPL, Chahal has not been the preferred choice for the selectors and would need a stellar season in the 2024 edition to nudge ahead. Bishnoi, on the other hand, seems readymade for the format, as his pace and sliders could well be the elements that turn a game India’s way.
Yuzvendra Chahal on the left and Ravi Bishnoi on right. (Agencies)
Kuldeep Yadav vs Washington Sundar
In usual circumstances, this will not even be a choice. Easily, one of the most skilful spinners around, Kuldeep – by far India’s best white-ball tweaker now – should be a certainty. But India are facing issues with their team balance. With their seamers all being uni-skilled players, they prefer having spinners who can contribute with the bat. Take into account the smaller grounds in the Caribbean and the US, and Kuldeep will have to fight those conditions as well. As far as Washington is concerned, he can be banked upon to bowl in the Powerplay. But having got few recent opportunities, unless he has a good IPL, the off-spinner is likely to see Kuldeep making the cut.
Anyone with an outside chance?
There is Varun Chakravarthy, who India discarded after the 2021 T20 World Cup. He had a fantastic IPL this year, and if he gets another head start, will return to the reckoning.
Source:indianexpress.com