Spin Trio is ready to rock!

The Indian Premier League has witnessed some spellbinding action on the field in the previous two seasons from breathtaking stroke-play and devastating spells of bowling and from stunning fielding to awesome catching. The one thing that perhaps doesn’t stay etched in memory – at least as far as Twenty20 cricket is concerned – is the performance of spin bowlers.

In the early days of 20-over cricket, spin bowlers were considered fodder for batsmen; they were often the bowlers to be targeted. However, over the years, one has seen spinners have turned out to be tough cookies to tackle in Twenty20 cricket.

Muttiah MuralidaranThe IPL has been fortunate to have some of the greatest spinners of our times. Among others, the IPL has Muttiah Muralidaran (the most successful bowler in international cricket), Shane Warne (the best leg-spinner ever and the man credited with the revival of leg-spin bowling), Anil Kumble (India’s greatest match-winner) and Daniel Vettori (the best left-arm spinner in world cricket in recent times).

Muralidaran, Warne and Kumble, well past their prime, can still do some magic with the ball in hand.

Muralidaran is said to be capable of turning the ball even on glass, and that, along with his basket of variations, means he is very difficult to score off even in Twenty20 cricket. The wily Sri Lankan has the regulation off-break, the top-spinner and the doosra, and these with a clever change of pace mean batsmen are always going to play him watchfully. In the two seasons so far, Murali has picked 25 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 26.60. What is impressive is his economy rate – batsmen have only managed to score off him at the rate of 6.16 runs an over. His overall figures in T20 are even better; 59 wickets in 48 matches at an astounding economy rate of 5.97.

Despite carrying the additional burdens of being captain and coach of the Rajasthan Royals, Shane Warne was still magical with the ball in hand. The blonde Australian was successful in both the earlier seasons of the IPL, picking up 19 wickets in the inaugural season and returning with 14 wickets in 13 outings last year. Despite not playing any international cricket, the ball continues to come out of his hand beautifully; the leg-break still turned and bamboozled the batsmen, the googly continued to deceive batsmen, while the flipper still troubled batsmen – despite it lacking the sting it had while he was at his best. Despite being 40, one can still see the urge to succeed and mischief in his eyes.

Shane WarneCricketing skills aside, Warne is the kind of character teams would love to have – he himself enjoys the game thoroughly, lifts the spirits in the dressing room, brings an element of drama to the game and will always have some magic up his sleeve for the big moments. With Warne around, you can be sure of one thing - there will never a dull moment in the game.

The Australian had a huge role to play in the least-fancied Royals winning the title in the inaugural season. Though the team did not have too many stars, Warne instilled the belief in the players that they were capable of performing at the highest level. It was this belief that translated to brilliant results and the IPL 2008 title.

That Anil Kumble is considered India’s biggest match-winner tells you the kind of impact he has had on Indian cricket. Originally a medium-pacer, Kumble only took to leg-spin bowling after his bowling action was found faulty. It is this combination – the pace of a medium pacer, and the wrist work of a leg-spinner - that makes him the devastating leg-spinner he is.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain is one from that rare breed of cricketers who will never give up. His dismissal of Brian Lara in the Test match in Antigua, with a fractured jaw, is still fresh in memory.

Anil KumbleRight through his career, Kumble – unlike several other cricketers - has always had to prove others wrong. In what was termed a young man’s game, 39-year old Kumble stepped up and put in performances which would have put most of the younger brigade to shame. The Bangalore-born leg-spinner, who finished as his team’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2009, was also inspirational as captain. From being at the brink of elimination from the title race, Kumble guided his team to the final of IPL 2009, where they were narrowly beaten by the Deccan Chargers.

Daniel Vettori is the best left-arm spinner in world cricket today; he has a clean action and has the temperament to succeed in trying times. His variations and consistency make him one of the most economical bowlers in limited overs cricket. Although he has only played nine matches in the IPL – and hasn’t therefore made a mark yet – one wouldn’t be surprised if he turned into Delhi Daredevils’ preferred opening bowler in the coming season.

Cricket might be a game loaded heavily in favour of the batsmen. But Kumble, Muralidaran, Vettori and Warne hold their own majestically. Will they spin their magic around this year’s tournament?