‘They want the leg-spinners to be like Warne’- Allan Border criticises Indian selectors for ignoring two players in BGT team

The Indian team’s ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 selection conundrum centres on who ought to have received preference. Allan Border, the legendary former captain of Australia, has offered his opinions on two individuals who ought to have been included in the Indian team for the five-match series.

Many have criticised the Indian team and their selection as a result of the ongoing series against Australia. India has just two spin options now that Ravichandran Ashwin has retired.

In addition to recommending two wrist spinners based on their squad, Allan Border believes that these players could have helped the team in the current series.

It surprises me that India hasn’t brought Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal. Leg-spinner development is challenging. There aren’t many Shane Warnes in the world. The 1987 World Cup-winning captain said the Times of India, “I don’t think captains use leg-spinners very well.”

It’s important for captains to understand that it will take time for a young leg-spinner to mature, even though they want them to be like Warne. He must be protected by you. To get the most out of a leggie, a captain must be in charge,” Border continued.

Chahal and Kuldeep in the most extended format

Regarding Kuldeep and Chahal’s performances in red-ball cricket, Chahal has a respectable first-class record and has claimed 115 wickets in 41 games, despite not having played for India in Test cricket. Additionally, Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in his 13 Test matches for India, giving him an outstanding record thus far in the sport.

In his two games against Australia, Kuldeep has taken nine wickets at an average of 21.11 and an economy of just 3.17, giving him a strong record against the format.