It has been a while since Kuldeep Yadav has made a mark in international cricket. While he has been completely replaced in the T20 format, Kuldeep may also not be part of the WTC squad that will travel to England to play the final. Meanwhile, ODI’s was one format in which the player could have redeemed himself. However, after two spells of 0/68 and 0/84 against England, his place in the 50-over squad is also in danger. In this article, we discuss four spinners who could replace Kuldeep Yadav for the next ODI series.
After IPL, Team India will have a packed schedule. Before the important tour to England for five-Test matches, there could be a few ODI’s squeezed in. There is also the T20 World Cup to concentrate on. Moreover, after IPL, we could have more names joining the list of spinners who could replace Kuldeep Yadav. We talk about the potential candidates in the below subheadings.
1. Ravi Bishnoi
Punjab Kings spinner Ravi Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker at the 2020 edition of the U19 World Cup. He is a leggie who can also bat a little. With Yuzvendra Chahal also running out of tricks, it might be the right time to introduce the youngster.
Although he did not set the domestic competitions on fire, Bishnoi had a few good games to his name. He also did well in IPL 2020. The next ODI World Cup is in 2023, and the management may not be able to find a better time to get the youngster into the senior squad.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is the most high-profile name in this list of spinners who could replace Kuldeep Yadav. Since Team India is any ways not whole-heartedly considering Washington Sundar for the ODI’s, there is an opening for an off-spinner.
In 111 50-over games so far, the Tamil Nadu spinner has collected 150 wickets for Team India. The squad needs this experience at the moment, and hence, they should make suitable plans to allow a comeback for the cricketer. He has also improved his batting in recent months, and that will be the added incentive.
3. Shreyas Gopal
In seven games at the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shreyas Gopal picked up 13 wickets at an average of 27.38. This feat has come at the back of a few consistent showings in the previous IPL seasons. Not to mention, Gopal has also done well in the Ranji Trophy over the past few years.
Just like Chahal, the Karnataka lad is someone who can apply pressure on the batsman with dot-balls and then take wickets. Especially the way the current ODI’s are played, the Rajasthan Royals spinner could actually be useful to have. Moreover, he is also an established batsman who has got many first-class centuries. Not only in the lower order, but Shreyas can also bat in the top-half if needed.
4. Varun CV
The last name on this list of spinners who could replace Kuldeep Yadav is also from Tamil Nadu. So far, he has been picked twice to the Indian Team, but due to fitness issues, he did not get the chance to make his debut. Nevertheless, if he has a big IPL 2021, things will absolutely look brighter for the spinner.
As seen in the recent series against England, run-containment during middle-overs in ODI’s are just not enough. You need to pick wickets and the XI must be stocked with such bowlers. Varun CV fits the bill perfectly, and hence, he should be an option.
