Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav Spin India to T20 World Cup Final
Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian cricket team, knew exactly when to unleash his spin bowlers, a strategy that has been pivotal in India’s journey to the T20 World Cup final. Kuldeep Yadav, in particular, was preserved for the Super Eight stage, and his cunning wrist spin has made him as formidable as the pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite some skepticism about packing four spinners for the West Indies, Sharma’s conviction has been gloriously vindicated. The spin trio—Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja—spread their wings and excelled in the latter stages of the tournament, culminating in a dominant performance against England in the semifinal. Sharma’s astute handling of his bowlers, knowing precisely when to deploy them, has been key to India’s success.
The Guyana pitch resembled a third-day subcontinent wicket, with low bounce and slow pace, making it ideal for spinners. Sharma summoned Axar Patel early, the fourth over to be precise, and urged him to “go for the kill.” Patel, known for his precision and ability to hit the stumps, responded brilliantly. His dismissal of Jos Buttler, England’s captain and their biggest hope, set the tone. Buttler’s attempted reverse sweep was thwarted by Patel’s slower delivery, which dipped and arrived later than expected, resulting in a toe-end rather than a top-edge.
Patel’s artistry was evident again when he bowled Jonny Bairstow. Despite Bairstow’s extensive experience facing Patel in various formats, he fell to a straight ball that snuck through his defenses. Patel’s ability to vary his release points and use the crease effectively made him a potent weapon. His simple yet effective approach—relying on accuracy and subtle variations—proved lethal.
Kuldeep Yadav then took over, showcasing his wrist spin wizardry. He claimed three crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Harry Brook, using his drift and deception to outfox the batsmen. Yadav’s contrasting style to Patel’s made them a perfect combination, with Yadav’s exotic variations complementing Patel’s straightforward yet deadly deliveries.
Ravindra Jadeja, the third spinner, also played a crucial role. Although used sparingly, his three overs of stifling lines demonstrated his reliability. Jadeja’s and Patel’s all-round abilities allowed Sharma to maintain a balanced team, with both contributing crucial runs in Georgetown. Jadeja’s nine-ball 17 and Patel’s six-ball 10 provided the kind of late-order runs that modern teams rely on from their all-rounders.
Sharma’s ability to adapt to different conditions has been another hallmark of India’s campaign. In New York, where the pitch favored seamers, he unleashed his pace attack. In St. Lucia, a flatter track, he relied on Bumrah and Yadav. In Guyana, with spinner-friendly conditions, Patel and Yadav led the charge. This flexibility and resourcefulness have allowed Sharma to maximize the strengths of his bowling attack, regardless of the conditions.
As India prepares for the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados, Sharma’s tactical acumen will once again be tested. The pitch conditions, whether favoring seam or spin, will not faze him. With a well-rounded attack and a captain who knows how to use his resources effectively, India is well-equipped to challenge South Africa and aim for their first T20 World Cup title in 17 years.
Sharma’s handling of the “spinner question” has been exemplary, proving that a well-balanced team with versatile bowlers can adapt to any situation. As the final approaches, the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians rest on Sharma’s shoulders and the ability of his spinners to weave their magic one more time.
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By- Sahiba Suri