IND vs WI: Kuldeep Yadav Will Be First-choice Spinner Over Yuzvendra Chahal At World Cup - Aakash Chopra

Reputed cricket commentator Aakash Chopra feels that Kuldeep Yadav will be considered ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the spin department for the Indian team at the World Cup. His words arrive after Kuldeep Yadav came up with a marvelous bowling show in IND vs WI ODI series.

The left-arm spinner hunted 7 wickets in 3 ODI games against West Indies at a superb average of 8.71. After Shardul Thakur (8), he was the highest wicket-taker for India in the series. The 28-year-old also registered a low economy of just 3.21.

Kuldeep Yadav has once again further enhanced his case: Aakash Chopra

While speaking on his YouTube channel, former India player Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Kuldeep Yadav for his performance in IND vs WI ODI series. Chopra also mentioned that Yadav is now considered ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the team.

“Kuldeep Yadav has once again further enhanced his case. He picks up wickets and is actually considered ahead of Yuzi (Yuzvendra) Chahal, and he did like that only. He picked up wickets whenever he was given the ball,” the former India opener said.

Chopra also feels that if Yadav continues with the same consistency, he will be the No. 1 spinner for India in the future.

“If Kuldeep Yadav continues picking up wickets like this, there is no doubt he will be the No. 1 spinner. (Ravindra) Jadeja is an all-rounder, Axar (Patel) will be an all-rounder but Kuldeep Yadav could be that guy who remains as the first spinner,” the 45-year-old further said.

Even though Yuzvendra Chahal was part of India’s squad in the IND vs WI ODI series, the team went ahead with Kuldeep Yadav in all three games. Yadav hunted wickets in every game. In the 1st ODI, he clinched a 4-wicket haul to win the Player of the Match award.

Yadav Accounts For 22 Wickets In ODIs This Year

Yadav has shown stupendous form in ODIs this year. The wrist spinner has stolen 22 wickets in 11 ODI games in 2023 at an average of 17.18 and an economy of 4.87. On the other hand, Chahal has picked 3 wickets in 2 ODI in 2023.

Meanwhile, India defeated West Indies in the three-match ODI series 2-1. In the 3rd ODI, the visitors outplayed the hosts by 200 runs. Earlier, India lost the 2nd ODI by 6 wickets but won the 1st ODI by 5 wickets.

India and West Indies will lock horns in a T20I series. IND vs WI T20I series will witness 5 T20I games. The opening encounter takes place on August 3 at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.