Mystery spinners Varun Chakravarthy, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq would have watched Zimbabwe’s stunning win over Australia at the Premadasa Stadium with excitement, as conditions in Sri Lanka continue to favour spin and slow bowling. With the marquee India vs Pakistan clash scheduled for Sunday in Colombo, these unconventional bowlers could prove decisive on a tacky surface that has already troubled batters.
On Friday, Zimbabwe’s pacers exploited the freshly laid Khettarama pitch by using slower deliveries to stifle Australia’s powerful batting lineup, securing a shock 23-run victory. Such conditions could amplify the impact of mystery spinners, who thrive on deception, subtle variations and awkward angles.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Tactical Evolution
Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling has evolved significantly over the past year, particularly after he switched from sidespin to overspin during the Indian Premier League. This adjustment improved his efficiency, given his reliance on angles rather than sharp turn.
He also bowls faster than many contemporary spinners, averaging around 95 kmph, though the slow pitch could force him to reduce his pace. Former India spinner Sunil Joshi highlighted Chakravarthy’s strengths, noting that his consistent length creates uncertainty for batters, preventing them from either rocking back or stepping out to attack.
Such a style could be especially challenging for Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam, now batting at No. 4. Babar has struggled to accelerate quickly in T20 cricket, as seen in the recent match against the USA where he took 20 balls to hit his first six. Chakravarthy’s disciplined approach and lack of easy scoring opportunities could pose a major test for him.
Usman Tariq’s Unorthodox Threat
Pakistan, however, have a unique weapon in Usman Tariq. Known for his pause-and-sling action, Tariq has already generated buzz in cricketing circles. His low release point keeps the ball below the batter’s eye line, making it difficult to hit, almost like facing yorkers on every delivery.
Quetta Gladiators General Manager Nabeel Hashmi compared Tariq’s slingy action to Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, praising both his maturity and ability to read batters. According to Hashmi, Tariq’s mystery and unconventional style add to his effectiveness and personality as a bowler.
Abrar Ahmed’s Subtle Craft
While Indian batters have faced Abrar Ahmed before and decoded some of his mystery, the leg-spinner remains a significant threat on slow pitches. The 27-year-old relies heavily on googlies and carrom balls, with 34 of his 49 T20I wickets coming from those variations.
Unlike more flamboyant leg-spinners who loop the ball to tempt batters, Abrar prefers attacking the stumps, creating doubt and inducing mistakes. Former Sri Lankan spinner Upul Chandana noted that Premadasa often offers substantial assistance to spinners, especially those who can land the ball in the right areas.
With the RPICS pitch expected to aid slow bowlers, the battle between these mystery spinners and world-class batters could define the outcome of Sunday’s clash. Ultimately, the contest may come down to which spinner finds the perfect length and adapts best to the conditions.