Even after giving a huge target of 209 runs to Australia, the Indian team faced defeat by 4 wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series in Mohali and this has garnered lots of criticism for Team India and their bowling strategies.
Indian bowlers looked listless against aggressive Australian batters as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and HArshal Patel went for 52 and 49 runs respectively, while leggie Yuzvendra Chahal gave 42 runs in 3.2 overs for one wicket.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has said that the team may have to consider not taking Chahal to Australia later this year for the T20 World Cup as their lead spinner.
“I have seen that when the conditions are against him, he doesn’t seem to have a lot of variety. I will be concerned going into that World Cup with Yuzvendra Chahal as my main spinner. I will be looking at Ravi Bishnoi, he gives you something different,” said Jaffer on ESPNCricinfo.
Jaffer, instead, urged India to explore other options like Ravi Bishnoi, who impressed in the Asia Cup against Pakistan, and even Kuldeep Yadav in place of Chahal. He pointed out that the Men in Blue already have R Ashwin in their arsenal and to use him wisely.
“Even that one game that he (Ravi Bishnoi) played against Pakistan, I thought he bowled some difficult overs. There is (Ravichandran) Ashwin of course, we know what to expect from him and Chahal. But I will be keen to have a look at Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav. If Chahal is bowling like that, I will be worried,” he added.
Jaffer also said that while Harshal Patel is understandably rusty as he is coming out of an injury, Bhuvneshwar's form is a matter of worry.
He said: “I'll be very concerned. Bhuvi hasn't been at his best. We know he is very good at the start of the innings but the way he has bowled in the death is a huge concern. You can sympathize with Harshal Patel, he is just coming out of an injury. It shows how dependent India is on Bumrah to bowl well up front and then again in the death."
