IndiaThe white-ball spin attack is one of the most versatile units in world cricket currently, combining control, wicket-taking ability and tactical flexibility. From traditional left-arm bowlers to wrist spinners who are capable of changing games in a single over, the team management has a plethora of options. Particularly in T20Is, where match-ups and adaptability are crucial, India’s spinners are no longer restricted to the middle overs but are being trusted at all stages, including the powerplay. This development has given rise to intense selection calls, in which form and role clarity have been given priority over mere prestige.
Mohammad Kaif explains why Varun Chakravarthy has edge over Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believe in Varun Chakraborty has overtaken -Kuldeep Yadav India’s current T20I pecking order. Speaking after India’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I in Raipur on January 23, Kaif described the team management’s recent selections as a clear indicator of their thinking.
According to Kaif, whenever the option is reduced to a wrist-spin option, Varun seems to be the preferred option. He highlighted that in recent matches, Kuldeep has often made space while Varun has been playing alongside him Akshar PatelTo outline a well-defined plan from the think tank. Kaif stressed that this preference is not accidental but lies in Varun’s reliability and adaptability at different stages of the innings.
“Varun has gone a little ahead of him (Kuldeep). Both are excellent bowlers, but if you have to choose one, Varun is ahead at the moment. We saw it in the first match as well. Kuldeep did not play. Varun and Axar played. So Team India’s plan has become very clear. If there is a choice between Varun and Kuldeep, Varun is the preferred choice, and he is that kind of bowler too. He has never disappointed.” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Powerplays isolate both trust and all-phase effects
Kaif’s strongest argument revolves around Varun’s ability to operate fearlessly in the powerplay. In modern T20 cricket, captains hesitate to include spinners early because of the risk factor, but Varun has earned that confidence with his mysterious variations. Kaif said that the captain is comfortable giving him the fourth or fifth over without worrying about giving big runs.
While Kuldeep remains a powerful wicket-taker, especially in the middle overs, he is rarely used. Varun, on the other hand, offers flexibility – he can strike in the powerplay, control the middle overs and can be effective in the death overs as well. According to Kaif, this multi-phase effect makes Varun a safer and more complete option in T20Is.
“You can bring Varun in the powerplay whenever you want. Usually, Kuldeep doesn’t bowl in the powerplay. Varun does. The captain will never hesitate in giving Varun the fourth or fifth over, he will be worried whether he scores 20 runs. There is no such worry with Varun. He comes in the fifth over and takes wickets, takes wickets in the powerplay, takes wickets in the middle overs and takes wickets later on as well.” Kaif added.
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comparison of both stars
Statistically, Varun has a better T20I bowling average and a slightly better economy rate, which reflects his consistency and control. However, having served India in several ICC events and conditions, Kuldeep has more experience and more overall wickets. Recent form, especially during 2025, has tilted the scales in Varun’s favour, with him emerging as India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and a regular in the playing eleven.
| metric (T20Is) | Varun Chakraborty | -Kuldeep Yadav |
|---|---|---|
| Matchbox | 33 | 51 |
| Wicket | 55 | 92 |
| average | 14.87 | 13.27 |
| economy rate | 6.96 | 6.87 |
| strike rate | 12.82 | 11.60 |
| best bowling | 5/17 | 5/17 |
| 5 wicket hall | 2 | 2 |
