The seasoned leg-spinner for India, Piyush Chawla, feels that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is at the top of his game and will have a significant impact on the Rohit Sharma-led team on Thursday night when they play England in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal at Providence Stadium in Guyana.

Following his exclusion from the Group A matches in New York due to the fast-bowling-friendly conditions, Kuldeep has made significant returns to lead India in the middle overs.

In the country’s Super Eights games in the Caribbean, he has taken seven wickets at an average of 10.71 and an economy rate of just 6.25.

Kuldeep is anticipated to showcase his versatility and spearhead India’s assault against England by deceiving the opposition with his subtle speed adjustments and variations, as well as his adept use of the crease. The Guyana location is predicted to help spinners.

One of the biggest comebacks in Indian cricket history has been the rise of Kuldeep Yadav.

India lost out big-time when he was absent from the semi-final in 2022, but he’s back and ready to make a big difference this time. In the middle overs, Kuldeep’s unconventional left-arm wrist spin, turn and bounce abilities, and deceptive variations may be a game-changer, “declared Chawla, an analyst on the Disney+ Hotstar series “Caught and Bold,” to IANS.

Chawla also mentioned Kuldeep’s successful record against England in international matches. During the same trip, he also collected a five-fer in the Manchester T20I and a six-fer against England in the Nottingham ODI.

He recently helped India win the series 4-1 with a five-fer in the last Test at Dharamshala.

In T20 cricket, Kuldeep has also had success against England captain Jos Buttler, having dismissed him three times. More recently, in the March Delhi Capitals vs. Rajasthan Royals IPL 2024 match in Jaipur, Kuldeep trapped Buttler leg before wicket on a reverse sweep.

When the left-arm wrist spinner pitched one outside the off-stump with a flatter trajectory and got the ball to turn sharply by almost a mile to castle captain Jos Buttler through the gate with perfection in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup match in Lucknow, it was a magical moment.

“He has a strong record while competing against England as well. Kuldeep will be essential in upsetting England’s aggressive batting strategy in the next semi-final. India’s greatest asset in the face of England’s potent batting order will be him. The middle overs will provide a difficult time for England batters due to Kuldeep Yadav’s potential and confidence, according to Chawla, who was a part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid emerges as a key player in managing the middle overs from the bowling side of England. Rashid took 1-20 in his four overs in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final match between England and India in Adelaide, featuring the dismissal of an impressive Suryakumar Yadav as Buttler & Co. triumphed by 10 wickets.

Rashid, who has taken nine wickets in the current competition thanks to his flawless speed and variety management, is a bowler who Chawla believes will be crucial for England to control the middle overs and exert pressure on India in the eagerly awaited semi-final match.

“Adil Rashid has become England’s most important middle-overs player. Rashid poses a serious danger on West Indian grounds because of his variety, which includes his slick and minute speed adjustments. Rashid’s contribution to England’s victory versus India in the next semi-final will be crucial.

“He may be the key to England applying pressure to Indian batsmen if he can stay disciplined and keep up the pressure.” His ability to split partnerships is particularly useful in the middle overs, when the game often swings in favor of one side or the other. Rashid will be expected to give a spell that not only manages the flow of runs but also produces breakthroughs when it matters most, he said.