Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam believes that Kuldeep Yadav is the best spinner heading into the World Cup and will provide significant advantage to India in the middle overs throughout the 50-over tournament.
The 28-year-old Kuldeep is being seen as India’s trump card in the World Cup on home soil, given his impressive record this year.
In 2023, the left-arm spinner has taken 33 wickets in 17 ODIs at a remarkable average of 16.03.
Following his recovery from a knee injury, Kuldeep has worked on his arm speed and mastering different angles, which has translated into a substantial haul of wickets during the middle phase of matches.
Alam, who has been to India multiple times as a player and having also served as a manager of the Pakistan team in the past, feels it will be advantage India in the mother of all clashes in Ahmedabad on October 14.
“The way India played in Asia Cup and played the final (decimating Sri Lanka). They look like the team to beat. Their spin attack stands out. Kuldeep is going to play a major role in the tournament. He will test the batters of all teams,” Alam told PTI on Saturday.
“Jadeja and Kuldeep make a lethal combination. Kuldeep is a match winner. He is the best spinner in this World Cup in my opinion. Now you also have (Ravichandran) Ashwin back,” said the 81-year-old, who was born in Hoshiarpur in the pre-Independence India.
Alam added that India’s batting, including greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as the in-form Shubman Gill makes the hosts a strong contender to win the trophy.
Alam said Pakistan spinners, however, don’t inspire the same confidence.
Pakistan could not defend 345 in the opening warm-up match against New Zealand here on Friday as their premier spinner Shadab Khan did not bowl while left-arm spinner Mohmmad Nawaz leaked runs.
Leggie Usama Mir, though, made an impact with two wickets.
“In the bowling department, Pakistan’s spin attack is weak in the middle overs. In Asia Cup we struggled. It is important for them to do well in this phase else teams will easily score 300 against them. Naseem Shah is young and quick and he too will be missed with the new ball,” said Alam referring to Shah’s injury.
