Singh said that Yadav and Chahal duo are key players in World Cup
India spin-bowler Harbhajan Singh said that bowlers Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal should be tournament fixtures for the rest of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. This comes after the key role the spin-bowler duo played in their team’s recent one-day international (ODI) successes.
Additionally, wrist spinners usually have more turn than finger spinners. Yadav proves this with him striking twice in team’s 89-run attack against archrivals Pakistan last Sunday. Chahal returned figures of 4-51 in their first World Cup match against South Africa which contributed to their 6 wicket win.
“It is a very good combination. The results that India have got in the last two-and-a-half years, a lot of credit should be given to these guys,” said Singh in an interview with AFP. “I would like to see them playing together, because none of the other teams have got two spinners and they don’t have the habit of playing spin in the middle overs.”
“It has worked for India to play two spinners, even in English conditions, because they are wrist spinners. If India are thinking about their best XI then these two will feature in all the games.”
Singh continued that Yadav has great skills with him 10 away from a century of wickets and an economy rate of 4.92 in 47 ODIs.
“He has definitely got the capabilities and the talent to be there for a long period of time,” said Singh. “(India coach) Ravi Shastri said he is our number one bowler. So it’s good that the team is backing him.”
Meanwhile, Singh commented on fast bowler Mohammed Shami who is likely to replace injured batsman Shikhar Dhawan in their match against Afghanistan.
“I think Shami is capable enough to win games on his own. He is one of those guys who has been a match winner on his own.”
Singh added that team captain Virat Kohli made it possible for everyone in the team to improve, especially their fielding.
“They are fit, agile, a proper fielding squad. All the credit must be given to Kohli for changing the face of Indian cricket terms of fitness,” stated Singh.
The right-arm off spin bowler added that the current top four teams in the World Cup—England, Australia, New Zealand, and India—would qualify for the semi-finals. He continued that India would be a tough side to beat in the knockout phase.
“To beat India they (other teams) will have to bring their ‘A’ game on that day. India will be a very tough side to beat.”
India’s next match will be against Afghanistan on Saturday at Rose Bowl Cricket Ground. The Men in Blue currently have -3333 odds to win the game while the minnows have +1400 odds.
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