Kuldeep Yadav’s presence in India’s World Cup squad is a statement of his brilliance with the ball in the 50-over format in the past 12 months. Since returning from a knee injury, the 28-year-old has been a different player altogether. He has worked on his arm speed and angles, helping him reap positive results in Indian colours. With 33 wickets in 17 ODIs, averaging 16.03, Kuldeep is currently the highest wicket-taker for India in the ODIs.
The leg-spinner is being seen as India’s trump card in the World Cup at home and former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam believes that Kuldeep will give India a distinct advantage in the middle overs during the World Cup 2023, starting October 5.
Speaking with news agency PTI, Alam said Kuldeep is the best spinner going into the World Cup and will also play a major role when the men in blue meet arch-rivals Pakistan in the much-anticipated clash on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
“The way India played in Asia Cup and played the final (decimating Sri Lanka). They look like the team to beat. Their spin attack stands out. Kuldeep is going to play a major role in the tournament. He will test the batters of all teams,” Alam told PTI.
“Jadeja and Kuldeep make a lethal combination. Kuldeep is a match-winner. He is the best spinner in this World Cup in my opinion. Now you also have (Ravichandran) Ashwin back,” said the 81-year-old.
Alam added that India’s batting, including greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as the in-form Shubman Gill makes the hosts a strong contender to win the trophy.
‘Spin attack a concern for Pakistan’
Pakistan could not defend 345 in the opening warm-up match against New Zealand here on Friday as their premier spinner Shadab Khan did not bowl while left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz leaked runs. Leggie Usama Mir, though, made an impact with two wickets.
Alam said Pakistan spinners, however, don’t inspire the same confidence.
“In the bowling department, Pakistan’s spin attack is weak in the middle overs. In the Asia Cup, we struggled. It is important for them to do well in this phase else teams will easily score 300 against them. Naseem Shah is young and quick and he too will be missed with the new ball,” said Alam referring to Shah’s injury.
(With PTI Inputs)
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