Chahal conceded 26 runs off his two overs in Team India’s nervy two-run win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, January 3.
Coming into the bowling attack after the powerplay, the leg-spinner struggled for rhythm and control amid heavy dew. It was not a field day for the Indian spinners in general, but Axar Patel successfully defended 13 runs in the final over of the contest.
When asked about the prospect of all-rounder Sundar being included in the playing XI at the expense of Chahal, Jaffer said on ESPN Cricinfo:
Chahal was included in the T20 World Cup 2022 squad, but could not break into the playing XI in Australia. He featured in the New Zealand tour before being rested for the subsequent tour of Bangladesh to close out the year.
Speaking of other potential changes to the playing XI for the second T20I, Jaffer suggested the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh, saying:
Arshdeep was not eligible for selection for the series opener due to illness. Harshal Patel, meanwhile, was expensive despite claiming two timely wickets, conceding 41 runs off his four overs.
“They will have to improve their death bowling” - Wasim Jaffer on Sri Lanka’s bowling unit
Sri Lanka had India on the ropes for the majority of the first innings courtesy of their spinners.
The hosts crossed the 100-run mark in the 15th over, but a late onslaught by Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel against the Sri Lankan pacers meant that they scored 162-5, which proved to be a competitive score.
Noting that Sri Lanka need to work on their death-over bowling, Jaffer said:
India will take on Sri Lanka in the second T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. The Hardik Pandya-led side have a 1-0 lead in the three-match affair.
Should Team India consider dropping Yuzvendra Chahal after a lackluster performance in the first T20I? Let us know what you think.
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