"Jeffrey Vandersay took 6 wickets" - Kuldeep Yadav declared inferior to 34-year-old Sri Lankan by ex-India star

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has questioned the left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav's performance after India's shocking defeat to Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Kuldeep did not bowl badly but Chopra felt that he could have picked up more wickets just like Jeffrey Vandersay did for Sri Lanka. Kuldeep took 2-33 in 10 overs in the match, which included the wickets of Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage.

Kuldeep Yadav had almost identical figures in the first ODI as well. The 29-year-old picked up 1-33 in 10 overs and dismissed Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. He has picked up 3 wickets in two matches so far but Aakash Chopra wants India's premier spinner to contribute more.

Watch: Kamindu Mendis grabs a one-handed blinder to dismiss Shubman Gill and stun India in 2nd ODI

Aakash Chopra compares Kuldeep Yadav with Jeffrey Vandersay

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra reckoned that Kuldeep Yadav could have got more wickets, and being India's premier spinner, he is expected to be the pick of the bowlers in spin-friendly conditions. Chopra compared Kuldeep's performance with Jeffrey Vandersay, who picked up 6 wickets to dismantle India's batting order.

"We are saying this is a slow track and he isn't getting much help. He took wickets - got Janith Liyanage caught and bowled but it's also true that on the same pitch, Jeffrey Vandersay took six wickets. He's also a wrist spinner so you expect Kuldeep to be the pick of the bowlers but that hasn't happened yet," Chopra said.

Kuldeep Yadav has been brilliant in both games so far. He has been nearly unplayable with his variations but unfortunately, he does not have many wickets to show. Moreover, the Sri Lankan batters have played him well so far and haven't taken many risks against him. Kuldeep has picked up 3 wickets in 2 matches at an average of 22 and an economy rate of 3.30.

Being a wicket-taker in the middle overs, India will expect their premier bowler to pick up wickets in the third ODI. Kuldeep was rested for the T20I series that preceded the ODIs. He is a crucial part of India's ODI team and will be expected to play a key part in the next year's Champions Trophy.

Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill's lack of form

Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra also spoke about Shubman Gill's lack of runs. Chopra claimed that Gill hasn't looked dominating so far and is throwing his wicket away after getting good starts.

"Shubman Gill hasn't looked dominating yet. He's thinking runs are available here and he can play a huge innings - score 70, 80 or maybe even 100 runs. But he's not able to reach there and is getting out," Chopra added in the video.

Gill is not having a great time with the bat on this tour so far. He got a good start in this match but was dismissed for 35 off 44 balls when Kamindu Mendis took a brilliant one-handed catch at first slip. In the first ODI, he was out for 16 off 35 balls.