IPL 2025: Piyush Chawla Lauds Spin Departments of CSK, KKR, and MI
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Synopsis
As IPL 2025 approaches, Piyush Chawla praises the formidable spin-bowling departments of CSK, KKR, and MI. He expresses concerns about the weaker spin attacks of RCB and RR while highlighting opportunities for emerging players like Suyash Sharma. Chawla discusses the evolving dynamics of spinners in T20 cricket and the greater emphasis on experience for the upcoming World Cup.
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Chawla emphasizes the strength of spin departments in CSK, KKR, and MI.
- Concerns raised about the spin attacks of RCB and RR.
- Suyash Sharma has a chance to shine as RCB's lead spinner.
- Wrist-spinners are currently in high demand in T20 cricket.
- Experience will be a key factor for selection in the T20 World Cup.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) With merely two days remaining until the start of IPL 2025, seasoned Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla mentioned that the spin-bowling units of Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians appear robust compared to their rivals.
“When we analyze, Chennai's spin attack seems quite formidable. Notable players like Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmed bolster their lineup. Then there's KKR, featuring experienced spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
“In the case of Mumbai Indians, there's a slight setback with Allah Ghazanfar sidelined due to a back injury. However, with Mitchell Santner in great form and Muijeb Ur Rahman stepping in as Allah’s replacement, their spin department looks promising,” said Chawla, a JioStar expert for the tournament's 18th edition, during an exclusive chat with IANS on Thursday.
When asked about the less competitive spin-bowling line-ups, Chawla pointed to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. “Looking at RCB, their spin options seem inadequate, as Suyash Sharma lacks experience and has limited match exposure. Bowling in Chinnaswamy is challenging, to say the least. Then there's Krunal Pandya, who plays primarily as an all-rounder.”
“A wicket-taking spinner is necessary during the middle overs. While Krunal Pandya has effectively restricted runs in recent years, he hasn't taken many wickets, indicating a vulnerability in RCB's spin department.”
“Although I wouldn't claim that Rajasthan Royals have a deficient spin attack, they heavily rely on overseas spinners, whether it’s Wanindu Hasaranga or Maheesh Theekshana. If they wish to field both, sacrifices in terms of an overseas batter or fast bowler must be made.”
Despite holding 192 IPL wickets, Chawla believes it will take a while for the next significant Indian spinner to emerge. Nevertheless, he sees a prime opportunity for Suyash to shine as RCB's lead spinner in a venue known for high-scoring games where wrist-spinners can be hit for runs.
“Suyash Sharma was previously overshadowed by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy at KKR. However, now that he’s the main spinner at RCB, Suyash has a golden opportunity to showcase his skills by leading the spin attack, although it won't be a walk in the park.”
With all ten franchises heavily investing in wrist-spinners and left-arm spinners, the demand for off-spinners has diminished. Chawla believes that wrist-spinners bring a wicket-taking ability with their variations, making them more valuable than off-spinners.
“Honestly, a wrist-spinner is like a treasure, as they can bowl effectively at any stage of the match - whether in the power play, middle, or death overs. Thus, wrist-spinners are invaluable in T20 cricket. The role of left-arm spinners has evolved due to the historical prevalence of right-handed batsmen, necessitating an away-spinning option.”
“This is why left-arm spinners are utilized, while off-spinners are less favored. However, skilled off-spinners have still excelled. Sunil Narine is often dubbed a mystery spinner, but he primarily bowls off-spin. Ashwin is another example.”
“While off-spinners can succeed, they require a high skill level to thrive in this league, as it's quite challenging to perform consistently throughout the competition. Consequently, wrist-spinners tend to be more effective due to their wicket-taking capabilities. Wickets are crucial for curbing run-scoring, and wrist-spinners offer more variations compared to their finger-spinning counterparts,” he elaborated.
Chawla concluded by stating that performances in IPL 2025 will not significantly influence the selection of India’s team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which they will host alongside Sri Lanka as defending champions.
“That's a distant consideration since post-IPL, there will be numerous developments, including the domestic cricket season. Success in the IPL won't guarantee a spot on the World Cup team; consistent performance is essential.”
“The spinners excelling now, whether in the Champions Trophy or the T20 World Cup - for instance, Kuldeep Yadav is just 30 years old. He has another solid 4-5 years ahead of him. In a tournament like the World Cup, experience will be prioritized over youth,” he concluded.
