Champions Trophy Spin Race: Kuldeep Yadav vs. Varun Chakravarthy

Spin Surprise! Varun in, Jaiswal Out for Champions Trophy

India’s cricket selectors made a surprising call. They picked the team for the Champions Trophy. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was out. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was in! This move raised some eyebrows.

More Spinners Than Ever?

It wasn’t just Varun’s selection that shocked people. Four spinners were already in the squad. These included Jadeja and Axar Patel. Both are left-arm spinning all-rounders. Washington Sundar is another all-rounder, an off-spinner. Then there’s Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist spinner. So, adding Varun made it five!

All-Rounders are Key

Jadeja and Axar are likely starters. They are dependable batters and excellent fielders too. But Varun’s inclusion is interesting. Especially since Kuldeep is also a wrist spinner. This means a big question arises.

Kuldeep or Varun: Who Plays?

If Axar and Jadeja are in, who will be the third spinner? Will it be Kuldeep or Varun Chakravarthy? This is the million-dollar question now. Everyone is curious to see who gets the nod.

What Makes Kuldeep Special?

Kuldeep is a rare Chinaman bowler. This is unique in cricket. He spins the ball in different ways. He can turn it into batters. Also, he can take it away. And sometimes, the ball goes straight. Varun is different. He also spins it both ways or can deliver it straight.

Varun’s Comeback Story

Varun’s return to international cricket is like a fairytale. He troubled England in T20s. He grabbed 14 wickets in five games. His average was amazing at 9.85. This performance pushed selectors to pick him for ODIs. At 34, Varun made his ODI debut. He is the oldest since Farokh Engineer!

One ODI is Not Enough To Judge

In his first ODI, Varun took one wicket for 54 runs. English batters seemed more comfortable against him. They had more time to play shots, as Kevin Pietersen noted. However, judging him on just one game isn’t fair. Let’s see what he does next.

Kuldeep’s Strong ICC Record

Kuldeep has been vital in big ICC events. Think back to the 2023 ODI World Cup. India played brilliantly until the final. Kuldeep picked up 15 wickets in 11 matches. His economy was also good at 4.45. Even in the final against Australia, he gave his best.

T20 World Cup Success Too

Then, in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kuldeep shone again. He took 10 wickets in five games. He was once again a top wicket-taker. Importantly, India chose Kuldeep over Siraj in West Indies. This was smart as pitches there are slower.

Experts Favor Kuldeep Right Now

Two former Indian spinners spoke to TOI. They both leaned towards playing Kuldeep over Varun now. Sunil Joshi said Dubai form matters. He recalled Varun wasn’t effective there in the 2021 T20 World Cup. But Kuldeep has a good record in Dubai.

Kuldeep’s Variety Gives Edge

Joshi explained further. “Both are good,” he said. “But I’d pick Kuldeep.” Kuldeep offers more variety. From the same delivery angle, Kuldeep can spin, go straight, or bowl a googly. Varun needs to spin it hard or bowl straight. Joshi, a former selector, emphasized he is thinking like a captain.

Captain’s Gut Feeling Matters

Joshi added team management’s thinking is key. It depends on Rohit Sharma’s plan and “gut feeling.” Will Rohit pick a left-arm wrist spinner or want Varun’s variety? With Axar and Jadeja certain, it’s a tough call.

Mystery Factor for Varun?

Nilesh Kulkarni thinks Rohit and coach Gambhir are keen on Varun. He believes team management has faith in Varun’s “mystery.” Many teams haven’t faced him much. So, Rohit may see him as a surprise weapon. Varun can even bowl in powerplays. Kulkarni suggests the mystery element might give Varun an edge.