Win Projections to be updated soon
Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has made a bold prediction regarding the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, suggesting that Indian left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav could emerge as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. The World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
In the last three editions of the ODI World Cup, left-arm pacers have dominated the wicket-taking charts: Zaheer Khan claimed 21 wickets in 2011, while Mitchell Starc was the top wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 2015 and a remarkable 27 wickets in 2019.
Akash Chopra said
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed his belief that spinners could excel in the 2023 World Cup, and he specifically highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s potential impact. He mentioned that Kuldeep could be used strategically by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, particularly in the middle overs.
“I feel leg-spinners will do well in the tournament. The world’s best leg-spinner thus has to feature in the list. It would be interesting to see how Rohit Sharma uses Kuldeep Yadav. First, he will utilize him in the middle overs. You could see him bowling after 40 overs as well. He might bowl at least 2-3 overs,” Chopra stated.
Chopra emphasized that Kuldeep’s strength lies in his ability to challenge batsmen when they attack him. He explained that going after Kuldeep requires precise reading of the ball from his hand, and any misjudgment could result in wickets for the bowler. This makes Kuldeep Yadav a strong contender to be among the top wicket-takers, and he could even finish as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
“If you defend him, it becomes easy and you might not lose your wicket. But when you go after him, you have to read the ball from Kuldeep’s hand. And if you don’t connect properly, you could end up finding a fielder. Kuldeep Yadav could be one of the top wicket-takers. He could be the highest wicket-taker as well,” Chopra added.
Kuldeep Yadav boasts a commendable record in ODIs, having taken 152 wickets in 90 matches at an average of 25.62 and an economy rate of 5.13.
Aakash Chopra also praised Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, considering him another bowler who could shine in the World Cup. Chopra highlighted Zampa’s accuracy in white-ball cricket and his ability to bowl stump to stump, making it challenging for batsmen to step out, cut, or pull easily. According to Chopra, Zampa’s bowling style restricts scoring options, and he can even be effective in the later stages of an innings.
Adam Zampa has claimed 142 wickets in 85 ODIs at an average of 29.05 and an economy rate of 5.53.
As anticipation builds for the ODI World Cup, fans will be keeping a close eye on Kuldeep Yadav and Adam Zampa, both of whom have the potential to leave a significant impact on the tournament.
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