T20 World Cup 2021: 5 Backup spin options for Team India ahead of the tournament

The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 set up the platform for the exponential rise in the popularity of the shortest format of the game. A format in which each side had 20 overs to pile up runs was becoming popular. Adding on, every team tried to bring on the best combination to ensure that they were the inaugural champions. But, it was team India that managed to clinch the title. 

Post-2007 T20 World Cup, Team India has been unable to win the trophy. In 2009, they had a mediocre tournament. In 2010 too, they had a poor outing. The Indian team was kicked out by the South Africans in the 2012 edition. But, they managed to reach the finals of the 2014 edition. In 2016, they were defeated by a strong West Indies side in the semis. 

As we are approaching the 2021 edition of the World Cup, it is time to open the notebooks and use every trick present in the book to find the best combination. Well, one of the most important departments of any format is the spin bowling department. As the spinners can take off the pace from the ball and control the flow, they are the kernel of a bowling attack.

Let us have a look at the 5 Backup spin options for Team India in T20 World Cup 2021:

1. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy belongs to the group of players who have made a name for themselves via the IPL. Also, he is a star in the highly-rated TNPL, a league that has produced Indian cricketers. Varun had a poor start to his IPL career as he was picked up by the KXIP management but was never given a proper chance. However, luck was on his side and he performed exceptionally well in the last IPL season. 

Varun has played in 14 IPL matches so far and has picked up 18 wickets. The main factor about his bowling has been the mystery tag, and his bowling is quite similar to that of Ajantha Mendis. For a mystery bowler to be a backup option, this will provide captain Kohli an extra cushion. Varun, as a bowler, has been exceptional for the Knight Riders in the IPL.

An economy rate of 7.11 showcases his ability to choke the batsman from one end. Adding on, he took a fifer last year and was later picked up in the national squad. Unfortunately, because of injury concerns, he was dropped. But Varun could be the perfect backup spin bowler as he can pick wickets at regular intervals. 

2. Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar is another spinner who has been traveling with the national T20I squads. The leg spinner has been one of the finest spinners for Mumbai Indians. Adding on, his ability to bowl according to the situations and with control has helped him to sustain his place in the Mumbai Indians squad. This makes him one of the best backup spin options for Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli likes to attack with spin early on. It is almost certain that he will go for the Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar combination during the World Cup. But, during the games where he wishes to test the bench, Rahul Chahar might make it to the squad. Chahar has been economical in the IPL.

Of the 31 IPL games he has played, Chahar has picked up 30 wickets with an economy rate of 7.47. Adding on, he has a decent average of 26.63 in the IPL. Although Chahar has been unable to make a mark in the international arena, it is just a matter of time before he showcases his worth. With more experience, he will grow as a bowler. 

3. Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia became a household name after he destroyed the KXIP bowling attack single-handedly. He smashed five sixes in an over to turn the game in RR’s favor. A batsman, who was unable to time the ball, became a superstar within ten minutes. This is what IPL does, it gives opportunity to talented players. 

Rahul Tewatia is a handy batsman, but the national team might include him in the squad as a bowling all-rounder. He is another leg spinner in this list who can bowl economically. In the IPL, Rahul bowls with a decent economy rate of 7.13. And in a tournament like the T20 World Cup, this ability might turn out to be priceless. 

Rahul can be used as a bowler who can bowl four overs and bat down the order. With a strong batting lineup, India’s squad will look even stronger with the inclusion of Rahul. Although he might not make it to the initial eleven, he is a valuable asset as he can become the perfect backup option. A strike rate of 134.55 is healthy for a batting position, hence Rahul should be included as a backup spinner for the upcoming world cup. 

4. Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been in the headlines since his Test debut against England. The Englishmen were unable to play his deliveries and hence, in three Tests, he picked up 27 wickets. For a bowler who is playing his debut series, this achievement is quite outstanding. It looks like Axar might be included in the T20I squad this time. 

Although it is difficult for a player like Axar to make it to the playing eleven, he can be the perfect backup bowler. And the recently concluded Test series against England just proves that. He played the role of Ravindra Jadeja perfectly. Apart from that, Axar has been exceptional in the IPL. 

In 97 IPL games, Axar has picked up 80 wickets. But the fact that he has an economy rate of 7.3 is extraordinary. Axar has represented India in 12 T20I matches so far. And an economy rate of 6.88 is brilliant for an all-rounder. Whenever a bowler is having a bad day, Axar can bowl his full quota of four overs. 

5. Ravi Ashwin

Ravi Ashwin is the biggest name on this list. The modern-day legend has been India’s saviour in the longest format of the game. A whopping 409 Test wickets in just 78 matches proves his worth. And most of the fans might have forgotten that Ashwin started his career as a T20 bowler. 

Ashwin has played in 154 IPL matches so far. And he has been the go-to man for various IPL captains, including the legend MS Dhoni himself. Ashwin can bowl in the power-plays, in the middle overs, and during the final overs. The presence of an experienced and versatile bowler like Ashwin will help the youngsters to grow. 

Talking about his T20I performances, he has played in 46 matches and has picked up 52 wickets. The best bowling figure of 4/8 is sufficient enough to prove that he deserves a spot in the limited-overs team. But stiff competition has got the better of Ashwin as the present bowlers have been performing exceptionally well. However, an economy rate of 6.98 in T20Is might attract the attention of the national selectors.