Ex-Indian cricketers feel that the duo of Kuldeep and Chahal are putting pressure on Ashwin and Jadeja

The ODI format has seen a major overhaul after the 2015 World Cup. A target of 300 is considered below par. Bowlers who pick wickets irrespective of the economy are given higher preference. Teams also recognized the importance of having wrist spinners in the playing XI.

The advantage is that they get purchase from all kind of surfaces. They may go for runs but have the ability to take wickets in crunch situations. The likes of Rashid Khan, Imran Tahir, Adil Rashid, Adam Zampa, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have all become important players for their country.

Left-right combination

This is for the first time in South Africa’s ODI history that they are three games down in a series in their own den. This is largely because of their inability to read Chahal and Kuldeep. In spite of minimum assistance from the pitch, the duo has taken 21 of the 30 wickets at an average of 9.05. The youngsters haven’t put a foot wrong and have ensured that India do not miss their experienced spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

“I am very happy that these two kids have done well, but the quality of batsmanship against spin bowling, in general, is quite poor. But let’s not take anything away from these two spinners (Kuldeep and Chahal). They have put some more pressure now on Ashwin and Jadeja.

“Mind you, they (Ashwin-Jadeja) are still your No.1 spin pair. But these two kids have been tried out and they have done well, so good luck to them. It’s marvelous. It is a very interesting competition (amongst spinners) and that’s the way it has to be,” Bishan Singh Bedi was quoted as saying by mid-day.com.

The Indian team is in a good shape right now and the skipper Virat Kohli must ensure that the duo gets as much match practice as possible before the World Cup in 2019.

“Not many teams have played them before, so it becomes difficult to read them. They have ample of variety and have the captain’s backing. All these factors play a huge role. They have adjusted quickly to bowl the right length on South African pitches which is quite heartening,” Venkatapathy Raju, former India cricketer told the same portal yesterday.

The fourth ODI is set to be played on Saturday (February 10) and the Proteas must be at their best to have a chance against the mighty Indians. The return of AB de Villiers must bolster the side and provide the much-needed confidence.