IND vs SL: "Yuzvendra Chahal Had A Very Ordinary Game And That’s A Disappointment" - Wasim Jaffer

India began the new year with a win as they beat Sri Lanka by two runs in a thrilling encounter in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, January 3. Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer expressed his concern over India’s spin bowling department, saying Yuzvendra Chahal’s effort was ordinary and disappointing.

The performance of Team India’s spinners was underwhelming, as both bowlers went wicketless. Leg-spinner Chahal conceded 26 runs in his two overs, while left-arm spinner Axar Patel went for 31 in three. Debutant bowler Shivam Mavi impressed with the new ball and took four wickets for 22 runs in his four overs quota. Umran Malik is also impressed with his bowling, taking two wickets for 27 runs.

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The Spinners Only Bowled Two Overs Each – Wasim Jaffer

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer stated that spin bowlers bowled fewer overs and that they should bowl at least seven overs. He said that Indian bowlers should perform well in home conditions.

“Chahal had a very ordinary game and that’s a disappointment. The spinners only bowled two overs each. And Axar had to bowl his third over – the last over. I think that’s a concern going forward. In most conditions, you would want your two spinners to bowl at least seven overs, if not eight,” Wasim Jaffer said.

Hardik Pandya Had To Complete His Quota – Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer expressed concern over Hardik Pandya not completing his quota of four overs. The former opener highlighted the importance of his fitness ahead of the ODI World Cup at home later this year.

“Hardik needs to bowl. That’s again a concern. He takes rest as and when India can afford to give him rest. But going forward, because it is the World Cup, sometimes India might play with three seamers and he might have to bowl 8-10 overs in the game. He had to complete his quota today (Tuesday). Even going forward, he needs to bowl a lot more. He can be, at times, the third seamer that India needs.”

Also read: IND vs SL: “Umran Malik May Not Have T20 Cricket As His Best Format” – Wasim Jaffer Says Ahead Of First T20I Against Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah