Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will the biggest threat for Australia when India tours Down Under in December this year.
Chappell accepted that choosing a spinner in the XI will prove to be difficult for India when they try to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, however, the former Aussie cricketer heaped praise for Kuldeep Yadav.
Ian Chappell Picks Kuldeep Yadav as Best for Aussies Tour :
“Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin is the biggest wicket-taking threat on Australian pitches. The decision will call for brave selections,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.
Talking about the wrist-spinner, Kuldeep has been one of India’s main spinners in limited-overs along with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ever since the 2017 Champions Trophy. The duo called ‘KulCha’ has been used to make things difficult for batsmen.
However, while Chahal hasn’t yet been able to break into the Test side, Kuldeep has impressed in the limited opportunities he has got so far. The chinaman has taken 24 wickets in the 6 Tests he has played so far and interestingly, Kuldeep’s last Test was in Australia in 2019 where he picked up five wickets in the first innings.
“Choosing a spinner will prove a major headache for the Indian selectors. R Ashwin has a great overall record, but not so much in Australia. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round talents and improved bowling form make him a legitimate challenger,” Chappell said.
Chappell also said all-rounder Hardik Pandya can play a crucial role. “Assuming India have a full-strength squad – three West Indies cricketers have opted out of the upcoming series in England – the touring selectors have a crucial role to play. It will help if Hardik Pandya is available.
“He gives India an extra bowling option to maintain the pressure when the leading fast bowlers need a rest. This is Pandya’s chance to gradually build up overs in the three Tests before the SCG match, where he could act as the third seamer so that a second spinner can be included. Having Pandya at seven would necessitate Rishabh Pant keeping and batting at six,” Chappell wrote.
