Former South Africa spinner Imran Tahir said that Yuzvendra Chahal is still one of the best wrist spinners in world cricket, but Kuldeep Yadav raced ahead of him because he made the most of the opportunity he got.
Chahal, one of the best leg-break bowlers, is currently out of favor because he was not selected for last year's ODI World Cup in India and is unlikely to make the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States in June.
“I don't think Yuzi was dropped because he wasn't performing. He was bowling well but it was just that Kuldeep was bowling really well and he went a step forward and formed this combination with Ravindra Jadeja,” Tahir told PTI during an interaction.
“I believe he is one of the best leg-spinners in world cricket and would need to wait for his chance. So, it's not because of his performance but just that the other guy has grabbed his opportunity. I have no doubt he will bounce back,” Tahir added.
Imran Tahir also picked the two best wrist spinners in today’s time and he named Kuldeep Yadav and Tabraiz Shamsi.
“I think Kuldeep…what he had achieved last year and what he was before even though he was good before, I appreciate being a spinner. I am also a big fan of Chahal but across the globe Zampa also did well and there is Tabraiz Shamsi, who has not got consistent opportunities. If he gets opportunities then I think he will do a lot of good things. So, I think Kuldeep and Shamsi will be my picks,” he assessed.
Having already played 391 career T20 games and taken 487 wickets, Tahir gave a rather simple explanation for his longevity.
“There's no secret and if I want to play competitive cricket then I need to set an example. The only reason I am playing is that I want to do well. More than cricket, I want to inspire youngsters that if they can stay fit and look after themselves, they can play as long as they want. Also, I want to set an example for my son,” he said.
Tahir will play for JoBurg Super Kings in the upcoming SA20 tournament.
(PTI inputs)
