Reetinder Sodhi has questioned India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling after he failed to deliver in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, 3 January. He also feels that Chahal’s form is a big concern for Team India as well. He said after Chahal leaked 26 runs in two overs against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Speaking on India News, Sodhi explained the issue with Chahal: “Another worrying factor, Chahal is an experienced pro. He has been playing for India for a long time. He didn’t play in the World Cup, but that is past. If you are getting the opportunity, you got to perform. You are the premier bowler. You should get two-three wickets and give only 22-25 odd runs. There’s a change in Indian cricket, you don’t go by reputation. We hope he gets back to form, performs, and wins the upcoming games.”
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Meanwhile, former wicketkeeper and selector Saba Karim added that Yuzvendra Chahal should be backed because wrist spinners have the ability to win games as well. While speaking on the same show, Karim revealed the importance of wrist spinners.
He said: “Wrist spinner is a vital component in T20 cricket. You should back wrist spinner. You have to also work on him off the field. There’s a possibility of him being low in confidence. Confidence will come when he’ll play more.”
However, Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 23 wickets in 21 T20Is at an economy of 7.71 last year. The decision of the Indian team management to not play him in the T20I World Cup last year made headlines also.
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“It’s an area of concern because we say that we have mastery when it comes to playing spinners. It’s said that we don’t struggle against spinners, but that’s not the case. That is a huge area of concern. Whenever a spinner from England and Australia comes in, they trouble us. Spinners created problems for us in the last game. We won the game, but we just scampered home. India will hope to win the next game, but for that to happen, they need to play the spinners well,” Reetinder Sodhi concluded.
