Rahul Dravid all but confirms Kuldeep Yadav's return to playing XI ahead of India's first Super 8 clash

India head coach Rahul Dravid hinted about the possible inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2024. He said that if they feel the need to play wrist spinner they will give a thought ahead of the game against Afghanistan.

India were extremely dominating in the league stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. They won 3 out of the 3 games that they played and their last game got washed out. They played some good cricket but were even challenged a lot in the tough conditions.

India played all their games at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The conditions there demanded pacers more than spinners in the game as the track had a lot of help for the fast bowlers, which didn't allow the team to play spinners in the XI.

Ahead of the tournament, it was expected that Kuldeep Yadav was expected to be a definite starter in the team but the conditions didn't allow the team to unleash him. But with India now slated to play all their games in the Carribean, where conditions favor spin, it is likely that Kuldeep might play.

Kuldeep Yadav for the last few years has been India's best spinner. He has been one of the major reasons behind India's success in all three formats of the game. With the crucial stage of the tournament around the corner, the leg-spinner will be a vital cog in the wheel for the team.

Rahul Dravid stated that it was tough for them to leave out Kuldeep Yadav but conditions didn't allow them. He stated that they would look into the possibility of playing wrist spinners in the team. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

"Tough to leave anyone out. All four being left out do possess the quality. But conditions were in favour of pacers. If we feel the need to play an extra spinner in Kuldeep and Yuzi we will give it a thought."

Yes wrist spinners will come into play - Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid further admitted that spinners will come into play in the second leg of the T20 World Cup now. He highlighted how they had eight batting options in New York and claimed that wrist spinners would be getting chances. He added:

"Spinners come into play - We picked the squad keeping in mind all kinds of options. In NY we had eight batting options. Yes, wrist spinners will come into play."

India would be high on confidence going into the Super 8 stage of the tournament. They will be locking horns with Afghanistan in their first game on 20th June and would be eager to start their campaign on high. They also have Yuzvendra Chahal in the mix along with Kuldeep Yadav. It remains to be seen what combination will India opt for in their first game of the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.