2019 World Cup: 3 reasons why India should play both Kuldeep and Chahal in the XI

#3. Both tend to do well when they play together

After India lost the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan in 2017, India decided to move away from finger spinners in white ball cricket, who are known for restricting the run-scoring rather than picking wickets.

The likes of Ashwin and Jadeja, who are very successful in Test cricket were not preferred anymore and in came the wrist spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Immediately, the team started to reap benefits as both started picking key wickets in the middle to stem the momentum of batting sides.

Kuldeep has played in 12 ODIs without Chahal in the XI and his return has been 18 wickets at 25.27 at an economy rate of 4.50. The numbers get even more impressive while he is playing alongside Chahal; 51 wickets from 23 matches at 19.80 and an economy rate of 4.97. Its the same with Chahal as his numbers too are impressive when he plays alongside Kuldeep Yadav.

The spin duo has played in 23 games so far and have picked up 87 wickets at an impressive average of 22.69 and a mind-boggling economy of only 4.88 which is like gold dust for any captain in this day and age.

These numbers clearly suggest that both Kuldeep and Chahal should play together in the XI to cause headaches to batting sides at the World Cup.