R Ashwin reveals India's ideal bowling unit for T20 World Cup, says 'Why do you want to drop them'

India will enter the competition as the defending champions and firm favorites, aiming to capitalise on familiar home conditions with a squad rich in dynamic T20 talent. As preparations intensify, much of the tactical discussion has centered on preserving the core strengths and winning formula that allowed the team to secure the title back in 2024.

In the midst of these strategic preparations, India's legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in, arguing that India's success depends on prioritizing a settled and potent bowling quartet to achieve the rare feat of back-to-back world titles.

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R Ashwin names India's top 4 bowling arsenal for T20 World Cup

In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, "Ash ki Baat," Ashwin made a compelling case for India’s selection strategy, identifying Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh as the 'best four' bowlers. He insisted that these individuals should be the very first names recorded on the team sheet.

Ashwin views these four bowlers as the absolute peak of India’s T20 arsenal. He believes their inclusion provides the essential balance needed to overcome any international opponent, regardless of the conditions. To Ashwin, the difference between winning and losing is not determined by the length of the batting order, but by the sheer potency and impact of the bowling attack.

“You know Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep in your line-up. Why do you want to drop these four bowlers? You have Axar and Hardik as well. We have six bowling options. Why are you worried then? We can lose having eight batters and six bowlers also. We can lose with seven batters and four bowlers also. Winning and losing are not associated here. We won the T20 World Cup because of our bowling attack. Remember that. Back the bowling. We have good bowlers.” Ashwin said.

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Ashwin further analyzed the unique skill sets of these four bowlers, explaining how their combination creates a tactical nightmare for any opponent. He pointed out that very few batters in the modern T20 game possess the technical depth or mental composure to consistently decode the variations of Kuldeep Yadav and Chakaravarthy, particularly on the turning tracks typical of the subcontinent.

The veteran off-spinner also noted that Bumrah remains a singular force in world cricket—a bowler most teams simply try to survive rather than attack. Complementing this is Arshdeep , whom Ashwin praised for his high "cricketing IQ" and left-arm variety, both of which are essential for navigating the high-pressure death overs. According to Ashwin, the collective intelligence and adaptability of this quartet make them an "unbeatable" unit if given the chance to play together consistently.

There are very few batters in today’s T20 landscape who can read them: Ashwin

Ashwin concluded that any world-class captain or coach would be eager to feature these four names in their starting XI. His message to the Indian team management was clear: they must avoid over-complicating the lineup in a search for extra batting depth. Instead, he urged them to place their full trust in these specialist bowlers, who have already demonstrated their ability to deliver a world title.

“There are very few batters in today’s T20 landscape who can read Kuldeep and Varun. Batters who can properly hit Bumrah are very few. Bowlers with brains like Arshdeep who can swing the ball and do well at the death as well, and back themselves are very few. If there is an opportunity, I will play my best four bowlers. You give this team to anyone in the world, and they will play these four.” Ashwin signed off.