India head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted at the possible inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the Super 8 leg of the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that if they feel the need to play the wrist spinner, they will think about it before the game against Afghanistan.
India were extremely dominant in the league stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. They won 3 of the 3 matches they played and their last match was eliminated. They played good cricket but even faced many challenges in the tough conditions.
India played all its matches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The conditions there demanded more pacers than spinners in the game as the track had a lot of help for fast bowlers, which did not allow the team to play spinners in the XI.
Before the tournament, Kuldeep Yadav was expected to be a permanent starter in the team, but the conditions did not allow the team to release him. But now that India is scheduled to play all its games in the Caribbean, where conditions favor spin, Kuldeep is likely to play.
Kuldeep Yadav for the last few years has been India’s best spinner. He has been one of the main reasons for India’s success in all three formats of the game. With the crucial stage of the tournament just around the corner, the player will be a vital cog for the team.
Rahul Dravid stated that it was difficult for them to leave out Kuldeep Yadav but the conditions did not allow it. He said they would look into the possibility of playing with wristbands on the team. Speaking to reporters, he explained:
“It is difficult to leave anyone out. The four who were left out have the quality. But the conditions were in favor of the pacers. If we feel the need to play with an extra player like Kuldeep and Yuzi, we will think about it.”
Yes, wristbands will come into play – Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid further admitted that the spinners will come into play now in the second leg of the T20 World Cup. He noted that they had eight batting options in New York and stated that wrist spinners would have opportunities. He added:
“Wrist spinners come into play. We chose the team keeping in mind all kinds of options. In New York we had eight batting options. Yes, wrist spinners will come into play.”
India would be very confident heading into the Super 8 stage of the tournament. They will face Afghanistan in their first match on June 20 and would be eager to start their campaign on a high. They also have Yuzvendra Chahal in the mix along with Kuldeep Yadav. It remains to be seen which combination India will opt for in their first match of the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.
