Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench in all of India’s three games so far in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Barbados: India head coach Rahul Dravid kept the option of adding an extra spinner against Afghanistan in their first Super 8 clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, keeping both Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in the fray. The Indian think-tank played just two spinners and four pacers during the group stages that took place in New York. However, things will be different in the Caribbean as the pitches tend to help the slow bowlers more.
While admitting that the spinners will come into play in the Caribbean, Dravid stated that management has kept all the options open depending upon the conditions. “We picked the squad keeping in mind all kind of options. In New York we had eight batting options. Yes wrist spinners will come into play,” Dravid told media during the pre-match press conference. Asked if Kuldeep will find a place in the playing XI, Dravid decided to keep things blurry.
“Tough to leave anyone out. All four being left out do possess the quality. But conditions were in favour of pacers. If we feel the need of playing an extra spinner in Kuldeep and Yuzi we will give it a thought,” he added. The only way to fit Kuldeep into the team is to either drop Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh for the wily spinner.
If that does happen, Siraj is most likely to be benched. If the two practice sessions of the Indian team are an indication, the pitch could offer plenty to the spinners making Kuldeep’s case stronger. With the gentle breeze blowing across the Kensington Oval, the pacers should get the ball to swing in the powerplay.
Asked if dew could be a factor, Dravid felt otherwise. “Dew may not be a factor. May be the wind can be a factor. Probably a quicker outfield here. We had a few chats within the team. The players have a lot of experience and intelligence. Really been happy with the chats and that is important. But we have to execute as well,” added the former India captain.