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Given that the conditions in England are heavily weighted toward the batsmen, keeping the run rate under control will be a significant challenge for bowlers during the World Cup. Consequently, the ability to take regular wickets is the best way to stop the flow of runs, which explains why most teams are bringing a wrist spinner along—they are often the primary wicket-takers in a side.
India is in a stronger position, possessing a duo of elite spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Since debuting on the world stage a few years ago, both have consistently proven they can change the course of a game. In fact, since the 2017 Champions Trophy, no other bowling pair has been more prolific. During this stretch, Kuldeep has secured 87 wickets across 44 ODIs with a sharp average of 21.74, while Chahal follows closely with 66 wickets in 38 games at an average of 25.68.
Looking at their stats in victories versus defeats further highlights how much India's success depends on them. When India wins, Kuldeep is lethal, averaging 18.58 with a tight economy of 4.54; however, in losses, his average balloons to 34.05 and his economy rises to 5.96. Chahal shows a similar pattern: he is incredibly effective in wins (averaging 19.16 with a 4.48 economy), but his numbers in defeats are far less impressive, with an average of 106.25 and an economy of 6.42. Despite this, India's win rates of 66% and 75% when Kuldeep and Chahal play, respectively, underscore their massive influence.
India becomes an even more formidable opponent when these two spin together. Across 28 ODIs as a pair, they have helped India secure 19 victories, resulting in a win percentage of 67.8%. Together, they've claimed 103 wickets, maintaining a solid average of 23.50 and a controlled economy rate of 5.00.
There are, however, some doubts about Kuldeep's current form heading into the event. He had a tough run in the recent Indian T20 League, where he struggled to find his rhythm, taking only 4 wickets in 9 matches with a high average of 71.50 and an economy of 8.66. It wasn't his best showing, but he'll be eager to put that behind him and start fresh. If Kuldeep can rediscover his magic, he and Chahal could dominate the World Cup, making India almost unstoppable on their road to the finals.an average of 71.50 and an economy rate of 8.66 throughout the current Indian T20 League season isn’t inspiring at all. However, he would be looking to start afresh and shrug the disappointment off his shoulders. The wrist spinner can own the World Cup along with Chahal if he finds his mojo back again, and no team would be able to stop India from progressing to the final stages of the tournament.
Written by: Prasenjit Dey