Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal remains one of the most influential spin bowlers of the modern era. At his peak, Ajmal was virtually unplayable, combining sharp turn, subtle variations, and relentless accuracy to dominate batters across formats. With over 400 international wickets to his name, Ajmal played a key role in Pakistan’s success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, redefining how spinners could control games even outside traditional subcontinental conditions.

The changing demands on spinners in modern cricket

In today’s game, spin bowling has evolved further. With flatter pitches, heavier bats, and aggressive batting mindsets, modern-day spinners are required to be tactically astute rather than merely reliant on turn. Flight, deception, changes of pace, and smart use of the crease have become essential weapons. As T20 and ODI cricket continue to dominate the calendar, spinners who can outthink batters are often the difference between winning and losing.

Speaking on The Champions Playbook Podcast, Ajmal shared his views on the art of spin bowling today and revealed his list of the top five spinners in modern-day cricket, praising those who blend intelligence with skill.

Saeed Ajmal reveals his top five spinners of the modern era

Ajmal began his list by naming Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, highlighting his immense value across formats. Jadeja’s ability to bowl economically, apply pressure, and chip in with crucial wickets has made him one of the most reliable spinners in world cricket. His sharp left-arm spin, combined with exceptional fielding and batting depth, places him among the most complete cricketers of the modern era.

At number two, Ajmal picked Kuldeep Yadav, reserving special praise for the Indian wrist-spinner’s white-ball prowess. Ajmal was unequivocal in his assessment, calling Kuldeep the best white-ball spinner currently in the game. He lauded Kuldeep’s sharp turn, ability to get the ball to drift in the air, and his commitment to giving the ball flight—qualities Ajmal described as the hallmark of intelligent bowling.

“The best white-ball spinner right now is Kuldeep Yadav. There’s no doubt about it, I really like Kuldeep. He spins the ball sharply and also gets it to break in the air. Even though Kuldeep is Indian, I want to see the best, and that’s why Kuldeep is at the top. Watch his videos; he puts a lot of effort into giving the ball flight. That’s what you call intelligent bowling – bowling that doesn’t come onto the bat easily, and Kuldeep does just that,” said Ajmal.

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England’s premier leg-spinner Adil Rashid was Ajmal’s next choice. The former Pakistan spinner admired Rashid’s variations and control, particularly his flipper, noting how effectively Rashid uses his body weight to generate deception. Rashid’s consistency in ICC tournaments and bilateral series has cemented his reputation as one of the finest limited-overs spinners in the world.

“He’s a good bowler, man, he bowls exceptionally well. His variations and flight are amazing. When he bowls a flipper, you can see how he uses his body weight with it,” added Ajmal

Ajmal completed his list by naming New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Australia’s Adam Zampa. He praised Santner for his clever pace variations and control, qualities that make him especially effective in pressure situations. On Zampa, Ajmal offered a more measured assessment, acknowledging his effectiveness and role in Australia’s white-ball success.

“Santner is good, he also has great pace variations. Zampa is alright,” Ajmal added further.

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