'I Guess..,' Former Coach Excludes 'Best Bowler In IPL History' From India's T20 World Cup XI
Kumble picked Kuldeep ahead of Chahal [AP]
After the ongoing IPL 2024, the Indian team will travel to the United States and Caribbean for the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue will begin their campaign with a opening fixture against Ireland on June 5.
Meanwhile, as we inch closer towards the World Cup, fans and experts have already started predicting India's strongest playing XI for the marquee event. Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has joined the debate, batting for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the playing XI.
As quoted by PTI, Kumble revealed that he is still uncertain about the pitch in the United States; however, he expects Kuldeep Yadav to pip Yuzvendra Chahal and play as India's solitary wrist-spinner.
"I don't know who will be starting in the first game against Ireland. Kuldeep for sure. I don't know what the pitch conditions are. I don't think any Indian team has played in the US other than in Fort Lauderdale. So it all depends on the pitch conditions," Kumble said.
"I guess Kuldeep probably will be the number one spinner in that sense because he's your wrist spinner. I'm sure there'll be one wrist spinner who will play," he added.
Notably, Chahal is the most successful bowler in IPL history, scalping 204 wickets in 157 innings.
However, despite being the solitary bowler to breach the 200-wicket mark, Chahal hasn't played a single T20 World Cup match and could make way for Kuldeep in this edition, with the latter having stellar outings in the shortest format.