Yuzvendra Chahal's Comeback Settles Him As India's Second Spinner After Ravindra Jadeja - Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the debate surrounding India’s spinners in the shortest format has been settled with the performances of Yuzvendra Chahal in the 5-match T20I series against South Africa.

The Indian bowling attack did particularly well after the mauling in the first T20I. Aside from Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Avesh Khan also had good outings in the series that ended 2-2.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar proved to be a big positive. The way he bowled throughout the series, especially in the powerplay, was brilliant. Going forward he’s India’s certain third seamer in my eyes with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. Ishan Kishan’s form [was another positive]. He showed consistency and now that KL Rahul isn’t available for some time, he can perhaps be the second opener for India.”

“Yuzvendra Chahal’s comeback after the lacklustre first two matches perhaps settles him as India’s second spinner after all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Apart from that, if you need a backup seamer then [you can look at] Avesh Khan because of the way he came back in the fourth T20 in Rajkot after a mediocre first three games. All these players were the positives in my opinion,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

“I think it will be difficult for Rishabh Pant to get a place” – Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer reckoned Pant’s place in the playing XI will now be threatened as Dinesh Karthik has proved his worth as a middle-order batter and a finisher. When the full-strength team consisting of the senior players is assembled, Pant may not find a spot.

“I think it will be difficult for Pant to get a place in India’s full-strength team. You expect Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan to open, Virat Kohli will come at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, Hardik Pandya at 5, Dinesh Karthik at 6, and Ravindra Jadeja at 7. It would be difficult for Rishabh Pant to get into this team when India’s at full strength,” he concluded.

Indian T20I team will now take a 3-day break before heading to Ireland for the 2-match T20I series.

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