The Indian wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have turned up their fortunes in the on-going ODI series against South Africa. The duo has impressed with their wicket-taking abilities in the first three ODIs and has slowly become the match winners for Team India. While Chahal has taken 11 wickets in the series so far, his spin-twin has taken 10 as India have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 6-match ODI series.

Speaking on their selection over Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, BCCI’s chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said that the decision was earlier questioned by the people but the two proved themselves. He described, “When they (Chahal and Yadav) were picked, it led to criticisms but with all due respect to everyone, we wanted to bring in variety in the spin bowling department.”

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As quoted in the magazine Sportstar, MSK said, “We wanted to increase the pool of spinners, as in the base, like we have done with the batting and seam bowling department. It is a process and they are doing well with every game against all teams. I am glad that it paid off and I am looking forward to seeing them perform consistently against the best sides.”

When asked about the chances of the return of the AshwinJadeja duo in the limited overs cricket, Prasad replied, “There is always a chance. As I said, we wanted to have a base of spinners and in the process, we gave opportunities to Kuldeep and Chahal, which they grabbed. Right now, it makes sense to continue with them for some time and then analyze the future.”

The former Indian wicketkeeper further elaborated that in spite of losing the Test series by 2-1, India team came with all guns blazing as the bowlers took 60 wickets. He said, “We took 60 wickets in three Tests, which shows the strength of our bowling. The way the boys came strong in the third Test proves their hard work. The nerves of steel on those wickets will go down as one of the best victories in the Indian cricket history, it is going to set the tone for the future generation.”

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Prasad also went on to praise India’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad for being the fourth Indian team to lift the cup. He said, “Being undefeated throughout is a huge thing. They started their campaign against Australia and maintained the tempo. I also want to congratulate Venkatesh Prasad (Chairman, Junior Selection Committee). It is not easy to spot talents and put them together to win a World Cup. The four World Cup wins also shows the strength of our junior cricket and the investment BCCI does; right from U-16 to U-19.”

India will play the fourth ODI against South Africa at Wanderers in Johannesburg on Saturday. If India manages to win the game, then they will register their first ever series win in the rainbow nation.