Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer said that India should play Shahbaz Ahmed in the upcoming second ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday (October 9). He added that the all-rounder would strengthen the batting unit and serve as the sixth bowling option as well. Meanwhile, Shahbaz has impressed in the last edition of the IPL as he scored 219 runs and picked up four wickets in 16 matches.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer said: “Shahbaz Ahmed should play as he would be helpful in the bowling department and strengthen the batting unit. You cannot go ahead with only five bowling options in 50-over cricket. You can replace him with Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ishan Kishan.”
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Wasim Jaffer also said that India need to quickly get rid of South African batters David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klassen if they want to level the series as well. While Miller and Klassen remained unbeaten on 75 and 74 in the first ODI in Lucknow, de Kock hit 48 to help his team as well.
“There is no doubt that he [David Miller] is a quality player. He was excellent in the IPL and continued his good form. India would definitely want to take his wicket early on. If India wants to win, they need to take the early wickets of Miller, Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klassen.” Wasim Jaffer said.
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India: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Kumar, Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Rahul Tripathi.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Andile Phehlukwayo.
