Spinners will play key role in IPL: Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir had an excellent World Cup

New Delhi, April 6 (IANS) South African leggie Imran Tahir, who will turn up in Delhi Daredevils colours this season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes spinners have a key role to play in the Twenty20 tournament which starts on Wednesday.

"It's hard obviously, especially T20 cricket. But we have a key role to play. There is still a lot we bring to the table. Having variety is very important. If you don't have variations you are not going to survive, especially in India as the Indian players are so good against spin," Tahir was quoted as saying by iplt20.com on Monday.

Tahir said he needs to adjust quickly to the conditions after the 50-over World Cup which just got over at the Antipodes.

"I have to adjust to the conditions very quickly. It's big difference from T20 to 50-over cricket. (But) if you back yourself, you can do well," said Tahir.

The 36-year-old feels the T20 format is a big challenge for spinners but added that tweakers with courage and a strong will can be successful.

"A lot of left-arm spinners from India have had a lot of success (in T20s). All type of spinners have a big role to play. T20 is a good challenge but you need to go there with a big heart and that's the only thing I can say about it," said the South African.

"It's not like you are going to give flight to the ball and the batsman is going to defend. If you give flight then it is going to go for six here. Even in Test cricket, you can't be a classical spinner like you were 20 years ago. So your pace needs to be very good for all the formats."