India’s white-ball spin attack is currently one of the most versatile units in world cricket, blending control, wicket-taking ability, and tactical flexibility. From left-arm orthodox bowlers who can tighten the screws to wrist-spinners capable of changing games in a single over, the team management has a wealth of options at its disposal. In T20Is especially, where match-ups and adaptability are crucial, India’s spinners are no longer restricted to middle overs but are being trusted across phases, including the powerplay. This evolution has led to sharper selection calls, with form and role clarity taking precedence over reputation alone.

Mohammad Kaif outlines why Varun Chakaravarthy has the edge over Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Varun Chakaravarthy has edged ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in India’s current T20I pecking order. Speaking after India’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur on January 23, Kaif pointed to the team management’s recent selections as a clear indicator of their thinking.

According to Kaif, whenever the choice narrows down to one wrist-spin option, Varun appears to be the preferred pick. He highlighted that in recent matches, Kuldeep has often made way while Varun continues to feature alongside Axar Patel, underlining a well-defined plan from the think tank. Kaif stressed that this preference is not accidental but rooted in Varun’s reliability and adaptability across different phases of the innings.

“Varun has gone slightly ahead of him (Kuldeep). Both are outstanding bowlers, but if you have to pick one, Varun is ahead at this point in time. We saw this in the earlier match as well. Kuldeep did not play. Varun and Axar played. So the planning of Team India has become very clear. If there is a choice between Varun and Kuldeep, Varun is the preferred option, and he is that kind of bowler too. He has never disappointed,” said Kaif on his YouTube channel.

Powerplay trust and all-phase impact separate the two

Kaif’s strongest argument revolved around Varun’s ability to operate fearlessly in the powerplay. In modern T20 cricket, captains hesitate before introducing spinners early due to the risk factor, but Varun, with his mystery variations, has earned that trust. Kaif noted that captains are comfortable handing him the fourth or fifth over without worrying about conceding big runs.

While Kuldeep remains a potent wicket-taker, especially in the middle overs, he is rarely used upfront. Varun, on the other hand, offers flexibility—he can strike in the powerplay, control the middle overs, and still be effective at the death. This multi-phase impact, according to Kaif, makes Varun a safer and more complete option in T20Is.

“You can bring Varun on whenever you want in the powerplay. Kuldeep does not usually bowl in the powerplay. Varun does. The captain will never hesitate to give Varun the fourth or fifth over, worrying that he might go for 20 runs. There is no such concern with Varun. He comes on and takes wickets in the fifth over, takes powerplay wickets, takes wickets in the middle overs, and later on as well,” added Kaif.

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Comparison of the two stars

Statistically, Varun holds a superior T20I bowling average and a marginally better economy rate, reflecting his consistency and control. Kuldeep, however, brings greater experience and a higher overall wicket tally, having served India across multiple ICC events and conditions. Recent form, particularly through 2025, has tilted the scales in Varun’s favour, with him emerging as India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and a regular feature in the playing XI.

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