Wily spinners ready to mesmerise fans at upcoming IPL in UAE

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

Spinners have always been an integral part of any potent bowling attack of the world in the history of cricket.

It might be difficult to trace the origin of the spin bowling, but it surely was fostered in the sub-continent.

From the Indian spin quartet of Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Bishen Singh Bedi to Sri Lankan great Muttiah Murlitharan and Asutralia’s Shane Warne, the genre of slower bowlers have always mesmerized the fans across the globe.

Once again spinners are likely to play a vital role at the Indian Premier League (IPL), which gets under way in the UAE on Sept.19. It is evident, that the UAE pitches are more conducive for the spinners.

In such conditions like that of the UAE, where the pitches start taking turn as a game progresses, spinners can wreak havoc and batsman need to be wary of them.

Gulf Today takes a look at the spinners, who can play a game changer role for their respective franchises.

Rahsid Khan: His story has been that of a fairy tale. Ever since his debut IPL season in 2017, Rashid has garnered all the right eyeballs owing to his mastery with the ball. The leg-spinner turned in a few memorable match-winning efforts in SRH’s journey to the finals the 2018 edition.  He took 21 wickets and emerged as the second-highest wicket taker in that edition. Over the years he has been one of the most sought after players in franchise T20 leagues and with a wealth of experience, he is definitely a threat to the opposition.

Amit Mishra: He is the second highest wicket-taker in IPl after Lasith Malinga. With 157 scalsp, he remains a vital cog in the Delhi Capitals’ machinery. The wily leg-spinner, who has the most hat-tricks in the tournament, will be gunning for success during the IPL 2020.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The wily off-spinner has been legendary with his performances for the Indian Test team, and will be looking to make an impact in 2020 as well for Delhi Capitals.

He spent a majority of his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings, before going on to play for Rising Pune Supergiants. Post that, Ashwin led Kings XI Punjab. His carrom ball still remains a potent weapon, and Ashwin’s wicket-taking skills will be on full show in the IPL as well.

Sunil Narine: One of the mainstays of KKR’s bowling attack for years, Sunil Narine’s can be a dangerous customer in these conditions.

Despite a modified action, Narine still remains a threat and can be game changers on any turf with more than 120 victims in 110 IPL games. He will surely give a good run to the batsmen for their money.

Piysuh Chawla: Old warhorse and crafty leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was a regular feature for KKR for a long time. He contributed usefully in the two IPL victories for the Knight Riders.

Ahead of the 2020 season, Chawla was released by KKR, was procured by CSK for 2020. His subtle control with the ball and intelligent use of the conditions will make him a vital component of the CSK attack.

Yuzvendra Chahal: Team India’s permanent wrist spinner in the limited overs formats, he became the first Indian bowler to have picked up a five-wicket haul in T20Is.

Chahal, who has been a part of RCB since 2014, has gone on to take 23 and 21 wickets in the 2015 and 2016 season of the league. With his knack of picking wickets at regular intervals, he can derail any batting line-up. A match-winner on his day, Chahal can be devastating. He will look forward to add to his IPL tally in the UAE conditions.

Krunal Pandya: the senior Pandya has risen in ranks through sheer hard work and determination. He has a knack of performing under pressure as he did on the night of the final when Mumbai won their third title in 2017.

He was again instrumental in 2019 as Mumbai lifted their fourth title. An important member of the side, Krunal will once again be required of playing the dual role of picking wickets with his left-arm spin and providing a boost to the middle order.

Kuldeep Yadav: Crafty left-arm wrist spinner can turn the ball on any turf. His exploits across all the formats is the testimony of capabilities of spinning the ball. His uniqueness in terms of being a rare breed of chinaman bowlers is something that has always been always captivated the fans across the globe. He is likely to shine for KKR again.