“Don't think they are ready…,” Jaffer on India assigning bowling roles to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma

Batters haven't been able to contribute with part-time bowling over the last decade for India.

By Salman Anjum - 14 Aug, 2023

Ahead of the fourth T20I against West Indies last week, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said that the team is focusing on developing the bowling skills of promising young batters such as Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has endorsed the idea but he believes the two newcomers need some more time to be prepared to bowl in international cricket

"I don't think they (Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal) are ready to bowl at the international level. I think Tilak Varma can because I have seen him bowl a little bit. But Yashasvi Jaiswal, you still have to wait. They are encouraging them to bowl more in the nets, and as and when they come back to domestic cricket, you will see them bowling, and they should because India clearly lack one of their batters to turn their arm over," Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

In the past, the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh used to chip in with a few overs of part-time spin. However, the batters haven't been able to contribute with part-time bowling over the last decade and that has hurt the Indian team’s balance.

"No harm in grooming because I know Yashasvi Jaiswal can bowl decent leg spin, but still I would say it is not international standard. Same with Tilak Varma. He can be groomed into a decent off-spinner," Jaffer added.

During the tour of West Indies, India won the two-Test series 1-0 and the three-ODI series 2-1 but suffered a 3-2 defeat in the five-match T20I series. Now, the team will travel to Ireland for three T20Is under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah.

Following the Ireland tour, India will take part in marquee events such as the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at home.

By Salman Anjum - 14 Aug, 2023

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