Former Indian cricket team batter Aakash Chopra has suggested that the team management needs to look at left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav now because the off-spinning duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jayant Yadav could not impress much in the recently-concluded three-match ODI series between the Indian cricket team and the South African cricket team.
Last time when the Indian cricket team toured South Africa for an ODI series against the home team, the Men in Blue emerged victorious by 5-1. They recorded the big win thanks to the duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav who bagged 33 wickets. However, Kuldeep was unavailable for this tour because of an injury. Even Ravindra Jadeja missed out due to injury issues.
Thus, the Indian cricket team went with three spin-bowling options, namely Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar. Just before the series, Sundar tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the series. Jayant Yadav replaced him. The Indian spinners were not so effective during the series. Reacting to their performance, Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel:
“Ashwin was there with Yuzi Chahal and you took just three wickets in three matches. Jayant Yadav was played, he was slightly unfortunate. Jayant Yadav is not your long-term ODI prospect any which way. So Ashwin is not there, Jayant is not there.”
India definitely missed Jadeja but start thinking about Kuldeep Yadav: Aakash Chopra
Talking about the potential replacements for the two off-spin bowlers, Aakash Chopra continued:
“India definitely missed Jadeja but start thinking about Kuldeep or play two leg-spinners. Do anything but you need to get spinners who can pick wickets in the middle overs.”
Fans should note that even Rahul Chahar was unavailable for this series because of an injury. Also, Axar Patel is recovering from an injury. Thus, the selectors fielded the best options possible. However, the results did not go in India’s favor.
