'Chahal won't be dropped after one bad outing' - Wasim Jaffer rules out Washington Sundar's inclusion for second T20I
Yuzvendra Chahal was restricted to only two overs after conceding 26 runs.
The former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has ruled out the idea of Washington Sundar's inclusion in the playing XI for the second T20I against Sri Lanka on January 5. The Indian team went with Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel as two specialist spin options for the first T20I in Mumbai but both players struggled to pick up wickets and proved costly.
However, the Indian team managed to win the first T20I by just two runs with Axar defending 13 runs in the 20th over. It was not a convincing performance from the Indian spinners, who were restricted to bowling only five overs combined.
Fans are already entertaining the idea of the inclusion of Washington for the next T20I in place of Chahal. But Jaffer feels that the Indian management is unlikely to tinker with their winning combination and drop Chahal after one bad outing.
"Dropping Yuzvendra Chahal for Washington Sundar would be a huge call since I believe there should be a wrist spinner in the playing XI. Even though Sundar provides balance to the side because of his batting as well as his powerplay bowling, I don't think that a bowler like Chahal, who has delivered time and again, will be dropped after one bad outing. I think it is too early to consider making that change," Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
If Arshdeep Singh is available then he will replace Harshal Patel: Wasim Jaffer
Jaffer also talked about other potential changes to India's playing XI for the T20I in Pune. Arshdeep Singh was not available for the first T20I due to illness, but Jaffer added that the young left-arm pacer will probably replace Harshal Patel if he gets available for the second game. Harshal managed to take two big wickets but conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.25.
"If Arshdeep is available, then I think he will be back in the playing XI. Maybe he will get a chance in place of Harshal Patel. The first T20I was not a good one for Harshal Patel. But apart from that, I do not see any other changes to the playing XI," Jaffer added.
For Better Experience: Download CricTracker Mobile App
Download Our App