India‘s white-ball spin attack is one of the most versatile units in world cricket at the moment, with control, wicket-taking ability and tactical agility. From orthodox left-arm bowlers who can tighten the screws to wrist spinners who can change games in an instant, the team management has many options at their disposal. Especially in T20Is where matchups and alignment are important, India’s spinners are no longer restricted to the middle innings but are trusted in all phases, including the powerplay. This evolution has led to sharper calls for choice, with form and role clarity taking precedence over reputation alone.
Mohammad Kaif explains why Varun Chakaravarthy dominated Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is
Former Indian cricketer Muhammad Kaif believes that Varun Chakraborty has overtaken Kuldeep Yadav In 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 cited the team management’s recent choices as a clear indication of their thinking.
According to Kaif, when the choice is narrowed down to a wrist spin option, Varun seems to be the preferred choice. He pointed out that Kuldeep has often given way as he continues to perform alongside Varun in recent matches Akhar Patelemphasizes the well-defined layout of the brain center. Kaif emphasized that this advantage was not accidental but based on Varu’s reliability and adaptability in different phases of the innings.
“Varun has gone ahead of him (Kuldeep). Both are great players, but if you have to choose one, Varun is ahead at this point. We saw that in the previous match as well. Kuldeep didn’t play. Varun and Akhar played. So the Indian team’s plan was very clear. If there was a choice between Varun and Kuldeep, he never chose that option. Disappointed.” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Powerplay confidence and all-round impact separate the two
Kaif’s strongest argument revolved around Varu’s ability to work fearlessly in his power play. In modern T20 cricket, captains hesitate before introducing spinners early because of the risk factor, but Varun has earned that trust with his mysterious variations. Kaif pointed out that captains are comfortable giving him fourth or fifth slot without worrying about conceding big runs.
Although Kuldeep remains a strong wicket-keeper, especially in the middle innings, he is rarely used upfront. Varun, on the other hand, offers versatility – he can strike in the powerplay, control the middles and still be effective at the death. This multi-phase effect, according to Kaif, makes Varun a safer and more complete option in T20Is.
“You can bring in Varun in the powerplay whenever you want. Kuldeep doesn’t usually play in the powerplay. Varun does. The captain never hesitates to give Varun the fourth or fifth wicket, he is worried about whether he can go for 20 runs. There is no such concern with Varun. He comes on and takes wickets in the fifth, and then he takes the middle wickets, and then he takes the middle wickets,” Kaif added.
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Comparison of two stars
Statistically, Varun has a superior T20I bowling record and a slightly better save rate reflecting his consistency and control. However, Kuldeep brings greater experience and a higher total closed price, having served India across multiple ICC events and conditions. Recent form, especially through 2025, has tipped the scales in Varu’s favor as he has emerged as India’s leading T20I wicket-keeper and a regular feature in the playing XI.
| Metric (T20Is) | Varun Chakraborty | Kuldeep Yadav |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 33 | 51 |
| Doors | 55 | 92 |
| Medium | 14.87 | 13.27 |
| Economics degree | 6.96 | 6.87 |
| Holiday rate | 12.82 | 11.60 |
| Best Bowling | 5/17 | 5/17 |
| 5 Goalkeeper Carry | 2 | 2 |
