Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly wants the Indian team to back wrist spinners for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Ganguly noted that Yuzvendra Chahal somehow misses out in big tournaments. The leg-spinner was left out of the last two T20 World Cup, which was a major surprise as he has been performing consistently in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the race as wrist spinners to be picked for the ODI showpiece, which will take place in India from October 5 to November 19. Moreover, Ravi Bishnoi makes a case for himself for the World Cup.
On the other hand, India also has quality finger spinners such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, who all are expected to be lethal in the Indian conditions. Furthermore, the trio can also contribute with the bat while batting down the order.
Sourav Ganguly said on Star Sports, “I feel India has to find a wrist-spinner for this World Cup. Jadeja is there, Ravichandran Ashwin is there, Axar Patel is there, who according to me is also an exceptional all-rounder.”
The former Indian skipper added: “(Ravi) Bishnoi and Kuldeep (Yadav) are there but (Yuzvendra) Chahal somehow misses big tournaments. He performs extremely consistently in shorter formats, whether it is 20-over or 50-over. It is important to keep an eye on him as well.”
Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal played in the 2019 World Cup and picked up a total of 12 wickets. Ergo, he played a key role in taking India to the semifinal stages.
Ganguly added that wrist spinners makes a lot of difference in the subcontinent as they can get assistance in favorable conditions and they can make it difficult for teams like Australia, England and South Africa.
“When you will play Australia, England or South Africa, a wrist-spinner makes a difference in these conditions. In 2011, there was Piyush Chawla, who bowled well.”
“When we went to South Africa in 2007, there also our wrist-spinners bowled well along with the fast bowlers. Harbhajan Singh was in that team. I feel it will be extremely important to keep a wrist-spinner in Indian conditions.”
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 at Chennai.
