Mohammad Kaif explains why Varun Chakaravarthy is ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is

India‘s white-ball spin attack is one of the most versatile units in world cricket at the moment, combining control, wicket-taking skills and tactical flexibility. From orthodox left-arm bowlers who can tighten the screws to wrist spinners who can switch plays in one go, the team management has a wealth of options at its disposal. Especially in T20Is, where match-ups and adaptability are crucial, Indian spinners are no longer limited to middle overs but are trusted in all phases, including the powerplay. This evolution has led to stricter selection conversations, in which form and role clarity take priority over reputation alone.

Mohammad Kaif outlines why Varun Chakaravarthy has the edge over Kuldeep Yadav in T20Is

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes that Varun Chakaravarthy has led the way Kuldeep Yadav in India’s current T20I rankings. After India’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I in Raipur on January 23, Kaif pointed to the team management’s recent selections as a clear indicator of their thinking.

According to Kaif, when the choice is limited to one wrist-spin option, Varun seems to be preferred. He emphasized that Kuldeep has often made way in recent matches while Varun continues to play alongside Axar Patelunderscoring a well-defined plan by the think tank. Kaif emphasized that this preference is not accidental but is rooted in Varun’s reliability and adaptability at different stages of the innings.

“Varun is slightly ahead of him (Kuldeep). Both are excellent bowlers, but if you have to pick one, Varun is ahead at the moment. We saw that in the earlier match as well. Kuldeep did not play. Varun and Axar played. So Team India’s planning has become very clear. If there is a choice between Varun and Kuldeep, then Varun is the preferred one and he is that kind of bowler. He has never disappointed.” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Powerplay confidence and impact in all phases separate the two

Kaif’s strongest argument revolved around Varun’s ability to operate fearlessly in the power game. In modern T20 cricket, captains hesitate before introducing spinners early due to the risk factor, but Varun has earned that confidence with his mysterious variations. Kaif noted that captains like to give him the fourth or fifth over without worrying about conceding big runs.

While Kuldeep remains a powerful wicket-taker, especially in the middle overs, he is rarely used up front. Varun, on the other hand, offers flexibility: he can strike in the powerplay, control the middle overs and still be effective at the death. This multi-phase impact makes Varun a safer and more complete option in T20Is, according to Kaif.

“You can put Varun in whenever you want in the powerplay. Kuldeep doesn’t usually bowl in the powerplay. Varun does. The captain will never hesitate to give Varun the fourth or fifth over, worried that he might make 20 runs. There is no such worry with Varun. He comes on and takes wickets in the fifth over, takes powerplay wickets, takes wickets in the middle overs, and later on too,” Kaif added.

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Comparison of the two stars

Statistically, Varun has a superior T20I bowling average and a slightly better economy rate, which reflects his consistency and control. However, Kuldeep brings with him more experience and a higher overall wicket count, having served India in multiple ICC events and conditions. Recent form, especially through 2025, has tilted the balance in Varun’s favor, with him emerging as India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and a regular in the playing XI.

Metric (T20Is)	Varun Chakaravarthy	Kuldeep Yadav
Competitions	33	51
Wickets	55	92
Average	14.87	13.27
Economy fare	6.96	6.87
Strike rate	12.82	11.60
Best bowling	5/17	5/17
5 Wicket distances	2	2

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