Veteran India pacer Zaheer Khan added that Team India should go with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the ongoing three-match T20I series against South Africa despite the return of Kuldeep Yadav. However, Zaheer added that Bishnoi’s ability to bowl with a few overs in the powerplay gives him an edge over left-arm spinner Kuldeep as well.

Speaking about India’s T20 lineup, Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz: “Ravi Bishnoi is someone who they should continue with because that gives you flexibility as well. He bowls in the powerplay. If you go for Kuldeep, he doesn’t bowl in the powerplay. So, that should be the thought process there.”

Pathiv Patel, who was also part of the same discussion, said the same as Zaheer. Urging the Indian team management to continue with Ravi Bishnoi, he said: “After the last series, if you don’t play Ravi Bishnoi, that means you are taking out both the bowlers who bowled four overs in the powerplay. That’s where continuity makes a big difference, especially to a young player who’s had a good series. If you give him that continuity, that confidence grows, and a wrist-spinner needs that confidence. We all know how well Kuldeep Yadav has bowled in the recent past. So, there is nothing new to see.”

READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad

However, Ravi Bishnoi starred with the ball during India’s five-match home T20I series against Australia as well. The crafty spinner picked up nine wickets from five games and was named Player of the Series. He is also currently the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the ICC rankings as well.

Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan also stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad could lose his spot in the playing XI after Shubman Gill’s return. Zaheer also mentioned that Gill is likely to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as well.

READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet

“Looking at the continuity and whatever we’ve been seeing, I think Ruturaj Gaikwad might miss out. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill will start. Shreyas Iyer possibly will be coming at No. 3, and then Suryakumar Yadav Yadav. You’ll have to see whether Tilak Varma is going to come in or not at No. 5. You will definitely need a keeper, so Jitesh Sharma possibly will take that spot. You have Rinku Singh at No. 6 followed by the five bowlers,” Zaheer Khan concluded.