T20 World Cup 2021: 5 spinners who can replace injured Washington Sundar in India's squad

Team India were dealt with a body blow just before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 when they got to know that all-rounder Washington Sundar’s participation in the marquee event is in doubt due to finger injury. The news of Sundar missing the remaining IPL 2021 was confirmed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday (August 30). The spinner injured his finger when he was hit by a nasty bouncer from Mohammed Siraj during a three-day practice game against Select County XI in Durham.

Sundar was part of the team’s five-match Test series against England but had to return home to immediately address his finger. Given his economical bowling, handy lower-order batting and considering the pitches in the UAE will assist spin bowlers, it will be a huge loss for India if he misses out the T20 World Cup. But it also presents an opportunity for the other spinners to stake a claim in the squad for the T20 World Cup.

Here are five players who can replace Washington Sundar in the team for the T20 World Cup

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could potentially push for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup team. Over the past two years, Ashwin had been continuously overlooked due to India’s fascination with bringing all-around and mystery players into the team. The off-spinner last played a T20I way back in 2017 against West Indies.

Since then, the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, and more recently Sundar have edged ahead of ahead. But with his good form and the plethora of experience that he brings on the table, the 34-year-old could be included in the team.

He can also look to impress the management by playing in the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by bowling well for Delhi Capitals. With the team currently sitting pretty at the top of the points table, Ashwin can be ball with even more freedom and try to take continuous wickets. Ashwin has taken 52 wickets in 46 T20Is at an average of 22.94.

2. Krunal Pandya

The senior Pandya’s ability to chip in with economical overs and his ability to hit few lusty blows lower down the order makes him stand out from the rest. Krunal also looked in decent touch against the limited-overs tour to Sri Lanka before he tested positive for COVID-19. With the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rahul Chahar almost locked in as certainties in the T20 World Cup squad for India, Krunal might now get an opportunity owing to Sundar’s absence.

The senior Pandya is pretty similar to what Sundar is. Both are left-handed batters and bowlers. Also, Krunal would be eyeing to make a mark for Mumbai Indians in the UAE leg of IPL. He has so far played 19 T20Is, picking up 15 wickets and scoring 124 runs.

The all-rounder was a bit off-color for Mumbai Indians during the first half of the IPL and, this is a good opportunity to bounce back in style, just ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin from October 17.

3. Axar Patel

Burst onto the Indian team in 2014, Axar Patel had a fruitful year in the limited-overs format before he faded away. But a sizzling debut Test series against England earlier this year has catapulted him to a bigger league.

Axar comes in with a reputation of holding things up by not giving too many runs. He has been doing that similar role of Capitals team along with his spin twin Ashwin. Also, the young left-arm spinner can double up as a handy lower-order batter and given Virat Kohli and the management an extra option.

The 27-year-old has so far taken nine wickets in 12 T20Is with a good economy rate of seven runs per over. Considering short boundaries and opposition batters looking to slog every ball, Axar can be a good replacement option for Sundar.

4. Jayant Yadav

Jayant Yadav’s name might surprise a few here, but those who have followed him over the years know how good a player he has been for Haryana in the Ranji circuit. He is yet to make his T20I debut, but due to his tremendous experience in the List A and domestic T20 matches, Yadav can lend solidarity to India’s spin department in the absence of Sundar.

He will also look to make amends in the UAE leg of IPL by looking to pick wickets for Mumbai Indians. Although the franchise has preferred Rahul Chahar, Yadav’s ability to bring the ball into the left-handers makes him a dangerous customer.

The 31-year-old can also be more than handy with the bat, just like what Sundar offered to Kohli with his utility skills.

5. Krishnappa Gowtham

The Karnataka all-rounder made heads turn when he was purchased for whopping 10.5 crores in IPL auction in 2021. Three teams were vying for his services and finally, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) purchased him.

Strangely, skipper MS Dhoni didn’t use him in the first half of IPL. But things could change during the second half of the UAE leg of IPL. With pitches being sluggish and dry, Gowtham could potentially form a potent pair with Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja.

Gowtham got to make his debut in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and picked one wicket in the last ODI. The Karnataka player also comes with a reputation to finish games as evidenced by his good domestic record. India can potentially think of roping in him as an able replacement option for Sundar.