Ashok Kumar
- Oct 3, 2023
- 4 min read

Top spinners to watch out for in World Cup 2023

Top spinners to watch out for in Cricket World Cup 2023 . Top spinners who will set the tone for their teams in World Cup 2023.

Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka vs India_Kuldeep Yadav took 4-43 against Sri Lanka; IND beat SL _ Walking wicket (Images_ ©ICC_Twitter) — Kuldeep Yadav has taken 33 wickets for India in 2023 (Images: ©ICC/Twitter)

Spinners are going to play a vital role in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which is being held in India. The subcontinent is known for spin-friendly pitches, and hence, each team has picked their best spinner to improve their chances in the tournament.

However, India can also be an equally tough place for spinners as well if the pitches are flat or the dew factor - which can make the tweakers ineffective. But still, they will be more in demand than pacers in the 2023 World Cup.

Therefore, let’s take a look at the top spinners to watch out for in the World Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav

The Indian wrist spinner has made a memorable comeback to the side. He is now India’s go-to spinner in the limited-overs format, ahead of experienced campaigners such as Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin.

India will bank on Kuldeep Yadav heavily to take wickets in the middle-overs, and keep the opposition in check. Kuldeep has the records to show why he is the top spinner to watch out for going into the World Cup.

He is the highest wicket-taker among spinners in 2023 who will ply their trade in the 2023 World Cup, although Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane tops the list in this calendar year.

Top wicket-takers among spinners this calendar year

Player	Country	Matches	Wickets	5W
Sandeep Lamichane	Nepal	21	43	1
Kuldeep Yadav	India	17	33	1
Maheesh Theekshana	Sri Lanka	15	31	0

Since his debut in June 2017, Kuldeep has been the most impressive spinner for India at home, eclipsing compatriot YS Chahal, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Highest-wicket taking spinners for India in India since June 23, 2017

Player	Innings	Wickets	Average
Kuldeep Yadav	36	61	29.8
Ravindra Jadeja	19	23	40.9
YS Chahal	17	30	28.2
R Ashwin	2	4	22

What works for Kuldeep

Since his resurgence, Kuldeep has been unstoppable, getting wickets in a heap. He has tweaked his bowling a bit and it’s paying rich dividends. India depends on him because he is capable of taking wickets in the middle-overs and doesn’t allow the opposition to run away with the game. He is also able to polish off the tail to thwart any late-order comeback from the opposition.

Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa has been one of the most consistent and bankable spinners for Australia in the limited-overs format. He also performs well in pitches which do not offer much turn, thanks to his variations and guile. He does not have tall stats in 2023 - or in India in ODIs due to him playing in very few matches. But Australia is aware of Zampa’s worth, and how he is capable of single-handedly running through a lineup on Indian pitches if they offer even a hint of turn.

His role in Australia’s squad is not just to contain, but also to pick wickets in the middle-overs and Zampa has been able to do it successfully so far.

Here’s Zampa’s record in 2023 and in India in ODIs.

Adam Zampa	Matches	Wickets	Average
2023 ODIs	9	15	32.33
ODI Record in India	16	27	30.80

What works for Zampa

Zampa has a lot of tricks up his sleeves – his googlies and slower ones are difficult to pick, and it makes him a difficult spinner to score off in the middle-overs. This helps him to pressurize the batters and force them to make mistakes leading to wickets. His 27 wickets in 16 matches on Indian soil prove he could be very lethal in the World Cup.

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan threatens to pick up a wicket every ball - such has been his aura and reputation. Opposition players usually look to just play out Rashid overs and target other bowlers. But he can outfox opposition batters with his variations. It’s difficult to pick his googlies, and he bowls them with ease without the batters being able to pick it.

His experience of playing in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans will come in handy when he bowls in the World Cup in India. He knows the Indian conditions well, and thanks to his experience of playing in various T20 tournaments across the world, he is also aware of the strength and weakness of most batters plying their trade in the World Cup.

Rashid has not had a great ODI outing this year so far, but come World Cup, he will be a different customer altogether. In ODIs in India, his performance goes a few notches higher as he is familiar with the conditions and the opponents he bowls to.

Here’s Rashid’s records in 2023 and in India in ODIs.

Rashid Khan	Matches	Wickets	Average
2023 ODIs	8	9	37.30
Records in India	12	23	21.10

What works for Rashid

Rashid is a champion leg-spinner who knows how to exploit the conditions to his benefit. He has the uncanny habit of breaking partnerships, and he is a great middle-over bowler for Afghanistan, who can take wickets and seize the momentum.

Adil Rashid

The English leg-spinner will have a big role to play in the 2023 World Cup. He will be shouldering the responsibility of leading the spin attack for England. Adil Rashid has done a good job so far for England in limited-overs cricket.

Although he does not get much help in English conditions, he is nonetheless a force to reckon with in the spin department. He is a big turner of the ball, regardless of the pitch conditions. England’s chance of defending the title rests heavily on Rashid’s shoulders.

For the records, here’s Adil Rashid’s stats in 2023 and in India in ODIs.

Adil Rashid	Matches	Wickets	Average
2023 ODIs	7	15	25.2
Records in India	4	3	87.3

What works for Adil Rashid

Rashid is a clever leg-spinner who plays with the batters’ minds. He bowls on a good line and length, giving no scoring opportunities, which makes them eventually play rashly and lose their wicket. He is a great asset for England in the middle-overs where he stems the flow of runs, coaxing the batsmen to make mistakes.