India’s World Cup spin plans come into focus in series win

Slow bowlers had a successful trial run in the Australia T20Is as Varun, Axar, Kuldeep and Washington step onto the plate

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Even when established all-rounder Hardik Pandya got injured ahead of the T20 Asia Cup final against Pakistan in September, India stuck to their bowling plan of attacking with spin and opted for part-timer Shivam Dube to share the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah.

It didn't look viable as Pakistan got off to a strong start, reaching 84/0 in 9.4 overs. The spinners though got into the act and helped India take control of the title clash.

Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel combined successfully, which also indicated India's plan for the T20 World Cup at home in February of mainly attacking with spin.

The flip side is that it becomes a one-dimensional bowling unit. Doing well against the Asian teams on spin-friendly tracks in the United Arab Emirates was no guarantee that it would work against top teams like Australia and England. The litmus test was going to be the five-match T20I series in Australia. India though head home pleased ahead of their title defence, Australia's aggressive batting approach against quality spin having come under scrutiny after the visitors won the rain-hit series 2-1. Winning at home with spinners is fine, but doing it in Australia makes it even more impressive. In the Asia cup, India’s spin success was mainly built on wrist-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep.