‘We knew it would turn’ - Paras Mhambrey reflects on India’s decision to take three left arm spinners to T20 World Cup

Paras Mhambrey’s tenure as India’s bowling coach ended with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024. He joined the coaching staff under head coach Rahul Dravid in November 2021. He oversaw an already strong Indian bowling attack and helped the side reach new heights. 

With the start of the T20 World Cup, many fans came forward to question Team India’s choice of fielding three left-arm spinners in the games for the marquee event. When asked about the decision to do so, Mhambrey revealed that the side knew how the pitches in the West Indies would behave. 

He opined that the USA pitches were completely alien, as drop-in pitches were being used for the tournament. Mhambrey also revealed that without even one of their spinners, Team India would have struggled in the tournament. 

“We knew how the pitches would behave in the West Indies. Because of so much cricket being played, we knew they would have enough wear and tear. The US was completely alien because they were using drop-in pitches and it was challenging for everyone. 100-120 were winning totals there. But in the West Indies, we knew what to expect. We knew it would turn and you needed someone to attack the stumps,” Paras Mhambrey said in an interview with Venkata Krishna B.

They were a brilliant package: Mhambrey

Furthermore, Paras Mhambrey reflected on how Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja’s ability to bat helped the side get an edge further. He also highlighted the role Kuldeep Yadav played throughout the tournament for the Men in Blue. 

“With Axar (Patel) and Ravindra Jadeja, both of them could bat and that gives depth in both batting and bowling. Even with match-ups, being left-handed batsmen, they brought in an advantage. We knew their roles. They were a brilliant package. And then there was Kuldeep Yadav, who brought in a different aspect. Also full credit to Rahul and Rohit (Sharma) to pick four spinners because without even one of them, we would have struggled,” Mhambrey said.