NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has shared his preferred spin-bowling combination for India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22 at the Eden Gardens. Highlighting Kuldeep Yadav‘s match-winning abilities, Bangar emphasised the importance of fitness clearance by relevant authorities over social media updates when considering Kuldeep’s selection.
“Don’t go on social media posts because there are agencies who have to certify whether he is fit or not,” Bangar stated during a discussion on Star Sports. “Kuldeep is an out-and-out match-winner because he is the most preferred bowler. There was a time when [Yuzvendra] Chahal had that position, but now India are playing only one wrist spinner, and Kuldeep Yadav is the preferred No. 1 bowler.”
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Kuldeep, who missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a chronic groin issue, remains under fitness evaluation, and his availability for the series is uncertain.
As a backup to Kuldeep, Bangar expressed confidence in Varun Chakaravarthy, citing his “mystery element” as an edge over Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi. “Amongst all three, it is Varun who has probably stood out because he brings that mystery element to him,” Bangar explained.
For the spin-bowling all-rounder role, Bangar selected Axar Patel, highlighting his ability to bowl in the powerplay and his value in a team that may feature only three seamers in Jasprit Bumrah‘s absence.
“He [Axar] is the front-runner in the spin all-rounder department because he can bowl in the powerplay,” Bangar noted. “That becomes a very valuable proposition when you have only three seaming options in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. If Jasprit Bumrah is available, then that’s a different story, but it’s all the more likely that he is not going to be seen playing T20 cricket for a bit. Axar Patel is certainly the No. 2 all-rounder after Hardik Pandya.”
Bangar’s recommendations underscore a balanced approach, combining experience and versatility, as Team India prepares for the T20I series against England.
