Ish Sodhi: New Zealand's Leg-Spin Weapon

Ish Sodhi has established himself as one of the most effective wrist-spinners in world T20 cricket. Born in India and raised in New Zealand, the Punjabi-born leg-spinner delivers a mix of leg-breaks, googlies, and sliders that consistently bamboozle batters looking to attack in the middle overs.

Bowling Variations

Sodhi's primary delivery is the leg-break — spinning from leg to off for right-handed batters. He also bowls a well-disguised googly that turns the opposite way, and a top-spinner that skids on lower. His ability to toss the ball up and invite attacking shots — only to take the edge or bowl through the outside — is what makes him valuable in T20 cricket where batters are always looking to hit.

T20 Impact

In T20 internationals, Sodhi is consistently one of New Zealand's leading wicket-takers and has one of the best bowling averages of any T20I specialist. He takes wickets in clusters, particularly with the second and fourth over of his spell when batters have committed to attacking him and he wrong-foots them.

Test Appearances

While primarily a white-ball specialist, Sodhi has played Tests for New Zealand. The longer format presents different challenges for wrist-spinners — less margin for error in length and line — but his variation gives him the tools to take wickets in all conditions.