IND vs SL 2021: Devang Gandhi Picks Deepak Chahar Ahead Of Shardul Thakur In T20Is

Former Indian selector Devang Gandhi has opined that Deepak Chahar should be the first choice all-rounder for India in T20Is ahead of someone like Shardul Thakur. Deepak Chahar played one of the innings of his life with the bat against Sri Lanka in the second ODI and won the game for India from an improbable situation.

The whole experts have been wondering about Chahar’s talent with the bat and he was exceptional in building a  crucial partnership alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the eighth wicket and he has now made a strong statement for the T20 Worldcup squad as well with the innings.

Deepak Will Be A Boost To India’s Lower Order Feels Devang Gandhi

Devang Gandhi wants the primary focus to be on Deepak Chahar’s bowling and not on his all-around skills. However, he mentioned that Deepak’s ability with the bat down the order will be an added bonus and he felt that Deepak’s ability to swing the ball is handier than Shardul Thakur’s ability with the ball.

“Death bowling has been his concern, but he’s looking to address it. Focus should be on the primary skill, which is Deepak’s bowling. Now if he can keep batting well, it will of course be a boost to India’s lower order. However, in T20Is, Deepak will be my first choice, especially when compared to someone like Shardul Thakur, because he can swing the ball,” Devang Gandhi told.

Hrishikesh Kanitkar Not Surprised By Deepak’s Ability With The Bat

Hrishikesh Kanitkar who was the coach of Chahar’s stateside when he came into the domestic scene and he mentioned that Chahar was always a good mug with the bat despite his bowling dominating predominantly. He added that Chahar used his mind really well in the innings against Sri Lanka to take India home.

“He used to bowl so well throughout that nobody really paid much attention to his batting. I’m not surprised because right from the beginning, I’ve seen him bat well and with seriousness. His ability was always there, but he used his mind very well in Tuesday’s game, which was very important, and played a mature innings,” Hrishikesh Kantikar said.