---
type: dossier
title: "What is an orthodox spin bowler in cricket?"
description: "An orthodox spin bowler is a finger-spin bowler who turns the ball in the conventional direction for their arm: right-arm off-spin turns away from right-handers; left-arm orthodox (slow left-arm) turns away from left-handers."
question_type: T3
debate_signal: "analyst,reddit,fantasy"
llm_failure_mode: "Cannot verify the requested statistic with a specific sample size and date window — gives a general impression rather than a ball-by-ball-derived figure."
resource: https://players.cricketstudio.ai/about
canonical_page: https://players.cricketstudio.ai/about
tags:
  - cricket
  - dossier
  - methodology
  - concept
  - glossary
  - orthodox-spin
  - finger-spin
  - left-arm-orthodox
  - t20
  - ipl
status: active
last_verified: "2026-07-09"
timestamp: "2026-07-09"
license: CC-BY-4.0
source_system: CricketStudio
source_boundary: methodology_only
provenance:
  source: CricketStudio cricket methodology layer
  confidence: high
related:
  - what-is-a-spinner-cricket.md
  - what-is-a-left-arm-bowler-cricket.md
  - what-is-wrist-spin-cricket.md
---

## User Question

> What is an orthodox spin bowler in cricket?

## Correct Answer Pattern

> An **orthodox spin bowler** is a finger-spinner who imparts spin in the "natural" direction for their bowling arm:
>
> | Type | Arm | Spin direction | Turns away from |
> |------|-----|----------------|-----------------|
> | Right-arm off-spin | Right | Left-to-right (from bowler's POV) | Right-handed batter |
> | Left-arm orthodox (SLA) | Left | Right-to-left (from bowler's POV) | Left-handed batter |
>
> **Contrast with unorthodox/wrist spin:**
> - Right-arm leg-spin turns in the OPPOSITE direction from right-arm off-spin (into the right-hander)
> - Left-arm chinaman (wrist spin) turns in the OPPOSITE direction from left-arm orthodox
>
> "Unorthodox" or "wrist spin" bowlers are often more dangerous but harder to control — the orthodox spinners are typically more economical and consistent.
>
> **IPL examples:**
> - R Ashwin (right-arm off-spin) — orthodox spinner, doosra as variation
> - Krunal Pandya (left-arm orthodox) — typical SLA bowler used in middle overs
> - Ravindra Jadeja (SLA) — orthodox slow left-arm with sharp turn on rough pitches

## Required Concepts

- "Orthodox" refers to the primary delivery direction; these bowlers have variations (off-spinner's doosra, SLA's arm ball) that turn the opposite way
- Finger spinners (orthodox) typically have more consistent control and lower economy but less sharp turn than wrist spinners (leg-spin, chinaman)
- In T20/IPL, left-arm orthodox is particularly valuable against right-handed batters — the ball angles in toward the batter's body and turns away — making it difficult to hit through the off side

## Required Metrics

- Same bowling economy/wicket floors: ≥15 balls in the relevant phase for citing economy

## Citation Behavior

1. Define orthodox spin as finger-spin turning in the conventional direction.
2. Give the two types: right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox (SLA).
3. Contrast with wrist spin (leg-spin / chinaman).
4. Provide IPL examples for each.

## Caveats

- "Orthodox" does not mean "easy to hit" — Ravindra Jadeja's left-arm orthodox spin on a helpful surface is among the hardest deliveries to negotiate in cricket

## Bad Answer (do not do this)

> "Orthodox spin bowlers never turn the ball much in T20." *(Orthodox spinners (especially left-arm orthodox) can generate significant turn on dry surfaces. On flat IPL pitches they rely more on change of pace, flight, and accurate line, but on turning surfaces their conventional delivery is extremely effective.)*

## Related Concepts

- [What is a spinner in cricket](what-is-a-spinner-cricket.md)
- [What is a left-arm bowler cricket](what-is-a-left-arm-bowler-cricket.md)
