The Indian cricket team’s ICC T20 World Cup campaign has been disappointing to say the least and most of the criticism has been directed at the star-studded batting line-up that has failed to perform. However, India’s bowling statistics are far from great, the bowlers having taken just 2 wickets while giving away 263 runs in two matches.

T20 World Cup: With semis hopes hanging by thread, India face gritty Afghanistan

India’s 15-man squad consisted of five spinners with the general belief being that the pitches in UAE would get tired with the T20 World Cup taking place just after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The line-up was expected to consist of three seamers and Hardik Pandya (who has not bowled in a long time following a shoulder injury).

One of the IPL’s standout performers, Axar Patel, was dropped from the squad to include Shardul Thakur when the management came to realize that their star all-rounder Hardik was not fit to bowl yet.

T20 WC: Sachin Tendulkar highlights this as major concern for Indian batters

However, what was being considered as India’s biggest weapon heading into the tournament has rarely been seen on the pitch. The team has gone with the combination of three seamers, Pandya and two spinners but the latter have rarely been seen in action.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja have failed to make an impression. One of the reasons behind this could be dew, but that is no excuse for dismal performances back-to-back on the biggest stage.

Ravichandran Ashwin was brought back into the squad but has been warming the bench in spite of impressive performances in the warm-up games, Rahul Chahar’s speed has not been utilized even after he was picked over Yuzvendra Chahal.

Both of India’s wickets in the tournament have come courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah, who seems to be the lone warrior in India’s bowling line-up.

Rohit Sharma to lead India vs New Zealand, Virat Kohli’s ODI captaincy in doubt: Report

If the Indian team wishes to march out of the tournament in a respectable manner, then they need to do a better job with selection. Ashwin can be a good option against Afghanistan considering the fact that Chakravarthy’s bowling has not been as effective as it was expected to be.

The veteran is the most successful spinner in the powerplay in IPL history. His ability to utilize the pitch and his ability to bowl six different balls in an over can be a big asset for the Indian team.