T20 World Cup 2026: Should India pick Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Varun Chakravarthy for the crucial knockout matches?
When India kickstarted their T20 World Cup defence, their spin attack was the least of their worries. They have the No. 1 T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, in the line-up alongside the dependable left-arm spinner Axar Patel. If they needed another spinner, they could also draft Washington Sundar into the XI to add variety to the attack. And not to forget Kuldeep Yadav, the reliable wrist-spinner capable of bamboozling batters with his variations. Yet, India have stuck with Chakravarthy and Axar in the XI so far.
Since the T20 World Cup 2024, Chakravarthy has been India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, claiming 69 wickets at an average of 14.2 and a strike rate of 11.4. However, whether it is a dip in form or opposition teams beginning to figure him out, Chakravarthy’s place in the XI has come under scrutiny. The mystery spinner has taken just three wickets in the Super Eights, conceding 122 runs at an average of 40 and an economy rate of over 10 runs per over.
This stands in sharp contrast to his group-stage performance, where he picked up nine wickets in four matches at an average of 6.89 and an economy rate of 5.17. So, with India set to face a strong England side in the semi-finals, could Kuldeep be preferred ahead of Chakravarthy?
Read More: T20 World Cup 2026: Varun Chakravarthy’s disappointing outings against SA, Zimbabwe cause for concern?
First, let’s take a look at Kuldeep’s performance since the last T20 World Cup.
Kuldeep Yadav’s topsy-turvy ride
Kuldeep Yadav has featured in just 13 T20Is since the last T20 World Cup, taking 26 wickets at an average of 12.9 with an economy rate of 7.53. In the same period, however, Chakravarthy staged a remarkable comeback, claiming 69 wickets and rising to become the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world. Chakravarthy’s surge has coincided with a slight dip in Kuldeep’s performances, which eventually saw him lose his place as India’s first-choice spinner in the format.
Kuldeep’s recent numbers have not been particularly convincing either to justify a place in the XI ahead of Chakravarthy. In 2026, he has managed just five wickets at an average of 24. Being constantly in and out of the side has not helped his rhythm. From once being India’s go-to spinner to now serving as a reserve option, Kuldeep’s change in fortunes has only added more pressure on him to deliver whenever he gets an opportunity.
Read More: T20 WC 2026: India’s batting lineup has failed to fire together apart from the game against Zimbabwe
India can still persist with Chakravarthy
India have their trump card in Chakravarthy, ready to counter challenges in the knockouts. He has been their first-choice spinner since the last T20 World Cup, and despite a few off-colour performances, India should stick with him for the semi-final against England. Kuldeep’s recent performances do not inspire enough confidence to select him ahead of Chakravarthy.
Besides, captain Suryakumar Yadav is not one to tinker much with the line-up and may persist with Chakravarthy as the knockouts begin. The backing of the captain is often all a player needs to bounce back from a few poor outings, and Chakravarthy would be eager to turn things around.
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