The impressive show by the wrist spin duo, chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, and leggie Yuzvendra Chahal, in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, has sparked a debate over Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s comeback into the Indian limited overs squad.
Kuldeep and Chahal’s fearless approach and wicket-taking abilities, especially on an alien surface, has impressed cricket fans across the globe.
Many cricket pundits have suggested that Indian cricket management should give a long rope to Kuldeep and Chahal as they could give Team India an edge in the bowling department in both domestic as well as foreign conditions.
With 16 wickets, Kuldeep surpassed Muttiah Muralitharan (14) to became the number 1 spinner with most wickets in any series in South Africa.
The duo Kuldeep-Chahal have picked up 30 wickets, the most by India’s spinners in a bilateral series. Till now, the highest was 27 in the six-match series against England at home in 2006.
Skipper Virat Kohli has also several times supported the two wrist spinners in limited overs cricket and opined that they could be the X-factor in England in 2019.
“Look they are obviously making a very strong case for themselves, bowling in these conditions and making breakthroughs like we haven’t seen before,” Virat said after the 3rd ODI.
Kul and Cha are feeling good after wrapping up the series and making history. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s day __ #kulcha #bromance #indvssa #30andcounting #spintwins pic.twitter.com/zbmPiAHW04
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) 14 February 2018
Former India pacer Atul Wassan also joined the debate and dismissed any chances of India’s experienced spin pair of Ashwin and Jadeja being in India team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England.
“Well people might say diplomatically they have a chance, but I don’t see any chance unless one of Kuldeep or Chahal gets injured,” Wasan told IANS.
Two great partnerships to take India to victory. First, @imkuldeep18 along with @yuzi_chahal and then @imVkohli with @ajinkyarahane88. Great work, boys. Keep up the momentum, #TeamIndia. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/tQnfETAuco
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 2 February 2018
On the other hand, Test specialists Jadeja and Ashwin had failed to perform well in foreign pitches while representing India in the 50-over format.
Ashwin’s last One-day International came in June 2017 while Jadeja previously played an ODI in July same year. This was during the tour of West Indies.
Since then, they have not represented Team India in colour jersey.
However, Jadeja, who has picked up 155 wickets in 136 matches he played so far since his debut in 2009, believes that despite a tough competition, the road is not end for him.
“It’s very tough to make into the Indian team now. But, at the same time, it’s good to have a healthy competition. It makes you push your limits and keeps you improving as a good cricketer,” Jadeja said.
Meanwhile, following a historic series victory on South African soil, India will aim to continue their dominance to finish with a 5-1 record against the Proteas in the sixth ODI at the SuperSport Park on February 16.
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