Four World Cup Spots that may be decided in the England-India ODI Series

Spin Attack- Yuzvendhra Chahal vs Kuldeep Yadav vs Axar Patel

CRICKET-T20-ENG-IND

When Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were initially dropped from limited overs sides, many were surprised especially considering the conservative nature of India’s selection. Since then Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendhra Chahal and Axar Patel have proved all their doubters wrong as they have spun webs against opposition batsmen.

Over the past year, Kuldeep has arguably been the best limited overs spinner for India. Since his debut in June 2017, Yadav has taken 39 wickets in 20 games. He was similarly brilliant for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2018 as he took 17 wickets (tied for 7th in the tournament).

As a left-arm wrist-spinner, Yadav’s variations tend to be perplexing especially for non-Asian batsmen. This was clear in the first T20 when he took five wickets in the first T20. Such form makes Yadav the first-choice spinner for India.

However, the identity of the second-choice spinner remains unknown. This is due to an excess of talent as Axar Patel or Yuzvendhra Chahal would be sure-fire starters for any other ODI team. However, only one of them can realistically play in a World Cup in England. Chahal is the more aggressive option as he can take several wickets with his leg-spinners.

On the other hand, Patel is more economical as the traditional finger-spinner who tends to thrive in English conditions. Whichever one of these spinners (Chahal likely starts) establishes himself in this series will be a favorite for the World Cup.