Harbhajan Singh bats for Yuzvendra Chahal: The legendary Indian spinner suggested a bold change for the second ODI.
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During the first ODI of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand in Hamilton, New Zealand defeated India by 4 wickets as they chased down a daunting 348-run target.
Veteran batsman Ross Taylor’s 21st ODI century saw him leading the way for his team who were coming on the back of 0-5 drubbing in the T20I series. Having scored 109* (84) with the help of 10 fours and four sixes, the 35-year old players was declared the Man of the Match and rightly so.
Taylor, who has played innings of similar meat in the past as well, made sure that he didn’t let the visiting bowlers settle down especially the spinners.
In the 20 combined overs which Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav bowled yesterday, they leaked 148 runs. While Jadeja remained wicketless, Yadav did pick two wickets but failed to create an impact on a consistent basis.
What further surprised the Indian fans was the fact that India captain Virat Kohli didn’t hand the ball to all-rounder Kedar Jadhav. Having done well for India with the ball in hand in the middle overs in the past, Jadhav could have been tried especially when the others were struggling.
Harbhajan Singh bats for Yuzvendra Chahal
In an interview with Hindustan Times after the match, veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh laid emphasis on the inclusion of spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for the second ODI to be played in Auckland on Saturday. The 39-year old didn’t shy away from suggesting that the leg-spinner can be included in place of Jadhav.
“I would like to see both spinners playing together – Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. This New Zealand team will play fast bowlers on any given day and they will take anyone on.
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“But when it comes to playing spinners, it has always been a case for them. You can get those wickets in the middle overs. So I would like to see both the spinners play together. Maybe leave out Kedar Jadhav and play an extra spinner,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying.
Jadhav, who has done well for India when it comes to finishing the innings, will need serious deliberation before being rested for a spinner for the move will undoubtedly weaken India’s batting.
