Leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy must lead India’s spin attack at the T20 World Cup next month, according to the legendary Anil Kumble, who thinks he would have no trouble handling the evening dew, which could be more problematic for a wrist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav.
The T20 marquee event will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Dew will undoubtedly have a role in the competition, according to Kumble, who spoke on JioHotstar.
“…especially during the time of the World Cup in February and March, with matches being played late in the evening. It’s not going to be easy. As spinners, you tend to get used to bowling with a wet ball; it’s nothing new. However, one aspect that India can certainly take comfort from is that I don’t think it affects someone like Varun Chakaravarthy because of the grip he has on the ball and the pace at which he bowls.”
Although Varun, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, India’s spin trio, have been performing admirably in recent months, Kumble named the Tamil Nadu guy as the tweakers’ greatest asset.
“I don’t think dew will bother him (Varun) that much. Yes, it’s not the same as bowling with a dry ball, of course, but with a wet ball, I don’t see Varun struggling too much. Similarly, Axar Patel should also be fine. The one person who might find it a bit more difficult is Kuldeep Yadav with a wet ball because of his bowling style. Having said that, Kuldeep is also used to bowling in these conditions.”
Wrist spinners will probably have a harder time gripping a wet ball because of their bowling style. India now have a 3-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand after showing incredible form as a team in the lead-up to the competition.
No team has ever won back-to-back titles in the tournament’s history, but Kumble thinks the reigning champions have a very good chance of doing so.
“I think when it comes to World Cups, winning back-to-back titles is not easy, especially in the T20 format. No team has been able to defend its title, and this presents a great opportunity for India to do that.”
“I certainly believe that the kind of form the team is in, and the strength of the playing squad, means India are well equipped to face any situation. India should certainly qualify for the semi-finals, and from there on, it’s anybody’s game.”
“But I genuinely believe India have a great chance to win the World Cup and make it a truly special one by winning back-to-back titles,” Kumble said.
