Our Bureau
Mumbai
India is weighing a tactical overhaul in their bowling attack ahead of the high‑stakes T20 World Cup showdown against arch‑rivals Pakistan, with veteran Sunil Gavaskar flagging a possible return for wrist‑spinner Kuldeep Yadav at the expense of left‑arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Gavaskar, analysing India’s 93‑run win over Namibia, pointed to Arshdeep’s inability to complete his full quota of overs as a sign that the team management is eyeing a spin‑heavy strategy for the Colombo fixture. “All our bowlers picked up wickets. Arshdeep did not complete his four overs, while Hardik Pandya finished his quota. This hints that Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan,” the former India captain said on Star Sports.
The 77‑year‑old legend highlighted that Sri Lankan pitches traditionally assist slower bowlers and noted India’s past tendency to field three spinners in such conditions. He also praised skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s handling of the resources, citing Hardik’s opening‑over assignment and Varun Chakaravarthy’s two‑over burst as evidence of a long‑term plan. “Varun gets wickets whenever he is asked to bowl, and Axar Patel picking up two wickets is a very good sign,” Gavaskar added.
On the batting front, Gavaskar voiced concern over Sanju Samson’s technique, observing that the opener’s deep movement inside the crease makes him vulnerable early in the innings. “He goes too deep and plays that flick shot. He needs to spend more time at the crease, especially if he opens against the new ball,” he said, even as he acknowledged Namibia’s clever field placements.
