Sportzwiki Exclusive: It is Difficult to Pick Kuldeep Yadav - Vijay Dahiya

India continued their domination against New Zealand as they won the second ODI by 90 runs. It was a comprehensive performance from the Men in Blue as they are building the right habits of winning before the coveted World Cup. The impetus is going to play a key role and India is looking like a side which has its bases covered.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave a perfect start to the Indian team as they added 154 runs for the opening standing. Subsequently, the Indian spin battery continued with their penchant of hunting down the New Zealand batsmen. The spinners scalped seven wickets between them and the New Zealand batsmen were all at sea.

Thus, India took a 2-0 lead in the ongoing ODI series and the visitors will like to clinch the series in the third ODI. On the other hand, New Zealand will like to turn the tables to stay afloat in the series.

Sportzwiki caught up with former Indian wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya who believes it difficult to pick Kuldeep Yadav.

GC: How do you see Dinesh Karthik now getting his chance? He has done well while finishing the innings but Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav performing well, DK is sitting out. However, Dinesh Karthik deserves his place in the side.

VD: With Kedar Jadhav now back in the squad, it is going to be difficult for Dinesh Karthik. I think Kedar gives you the option of a couple of overs, which were available with Rayudu. But now as Rayudu’s action is reported, he is not bowling. I know it is a bit tough on Dinesh Karthik as he has done really well while finishing the innings for the team. But its the direction in which the Indian team is going right now. I feel Kedar should be a certainty in the playing XI as he can finish off a game. It looks like at this moment that team management has got more faith in Rayudu and Kedar.

GC: Kuldeep Yadav has done really well in the recent past. He scalped four wickets again in the second ODI. How difficult is to pick Kuldeep Yadav as you have worked with him in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp?

VD: It is difficult to pick Kuldeep Yadav. But the captain needs to be given credit for the way he is using him. If you don’t charge him, then he is going to be lethal. The way the Indian captain has used him is impressive, even today, he held his overs. When the run-rate was going up, then Virat Kohli used him. If a batsman goes after him, then it becomes even more difficult. He is high on confidence and it is a valuable partnership building between Kuldeep Yadav and Chahal. These two are the wicket-taking options for India in the middle overs between 15 to 35. Thus, it is pivotal to take wickets in the middle overs.

GC: Hardik Pandya is back into the ODI squad and he may get his place in the third ODI. Won’t it be unfair on Vijay Shankar who hasn’t got a lot of opportunities to showcase his skills?

VD: There is nothing as fair and unfair in the sport. If you look at it the other way around, Hardik Pandya has been part of the Indian team over the past few years. He was out for certain things and now he is back and available for selection, then automatically he should get his place.

If Vijay had done something substantial, then it would have been a different story. If we compare these two players for one spot, then Hardik will definitely get his chance in the playing XI. He is high on confidence and he is more impact player.

GC: Virat Kohli is rested for the final two ODIs and T20I series. Who do you see getting his chances in place of the Indian captain?

VD: We have the option to try Dinesh Karthik and Shubman Gill, it all depends what the team management thinks. Indian team is known to try out a few things and they have the license to do so. I have a feeling that Indian team will play a regular player who has the experience on his side. In fact, Shubman Gill is opening the innings in the recent past. Our openers look set in the ODI side so I don’t think so India will disturb the opening combination. Thus, India will go with a more experienced option.