The India cricket team is switching destinations, opponents, and surfaces as they move to the Super 8. They move from the USA to the Caribbean and will play Australia, Afghanistan, and, in all likelihood, Bangladesh, all of whom they haven’t faced yet. Most importantly, they’ll move from the pace-friendly surfaces of New York to batting paradise in Barbados.
This means Rohit Sharma will have to change the lineup come June 20. The pitch at the Kensington Oval isn’t exactly favourable to spinners or pacers but rather to good bowlers. While most spinners didn’t do well in the last match, Adam Zampa emerged as the best bowler of the day.
Why Kuldeep Yadav can replace Ravindra Jadeja
Barring Ravindra Jadeja, every Indian bowler has been among the wickets. Such has been the case that Jadeja hasn’t scored a run, taken a wicket, or claimed a catch in the T20 World Cup. One has to question why the all-rounder is even playing. Meanwhile, his direct competitor, Axar Patel, has outperformed him in all departments.
Rohit Sharma chose to promote Axar up the order against Pakistan ahead of Jadeja, and when he did come to play, he got a golden duck. Apart from the Pakistan match, Axar was brought in earlier to bowl as well. So far, Jadeja has not contributed to any of India’s victories.
If his batting or fielding aren’t a plus, there is no point in playing him. Instead, India could opt for Kuldeep Yadav, who is the best left-arm wrist spinner in the world. He’s a constant threat and has multiple variations to dupe the batters. He’s also in splendid form, having claimed 16 poles in the IPL 2024 season.
Of course, the biggest factor is the spin-friendly nature of the surfaces in the West Indies. The ball often sticks to the surface in the Caribbean and spins as well; in such conditions, Kuldeep will be a handful. His inclusion will also provide Team India with the balance; with a left-arm pacer, a right-arm pacer, and a left-arm orthodox spinner present, he’ll give Rohit Sharma a fourth option.
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