IND vs NZ: India vs NewZealand 2nd ODI – Once deemed as the immovable pair in India’s spin bowling, Kuldeep Yadav & Yuzvendra Chahal, aka ‘KulCha’ was a threat to their opponents. However, for the past couple of years, owing to poor form, Kuldeep Yadav found his place away from the National team squad. However, making a star comeback into the squad, he is now competing with Chahal for the one specialized spinner spot in the team. Follow India vs NewZealand LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs NZ: Kuldeep vs Chahal? India break ‘KulCha’ pair, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal compete for 1 spot in Playing XI, Shahbaz Ahmed also in contention – Check out
The Men in Blue have decided to break the famous ‘KulCha’ spin pairing. There is only 1 spot remaining in the team and either of the two will fit into that. Not just warming the bench, Shahbaz Ahmed who is another option in the spin department is also in contention to fight this famous three-way battle.
Earlier this year, Kuldeep got his chance into the squad in the 2nd ODI against SriLanka at the Eden Gardens after Chahal suffered a shoulder injury. He scalped 3 wickets and continued his fine form since then. He bagged 2 wickets in the 3rd ODI against SriLanka and in the 1st ODI against NewZealand he took wickets at Hyderabad.
In the last 60 overs in ODI, Kuldeep Yadav has taken 16 wickets.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 18, 2023
IND vs NZ: Kuldeep vs Chahal? India break ‘KulCha’ pair, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal compete for 1 spot in Playing XI, Shahbaz Ahmed also in contention – Check out
With Yadav performing well, this brings up a major headache for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid in terms of the spinner selection. Chahal has been an ever-reliant spinner in the Indian contingent for the past years. It would be unfair to drop an in-form spinner. Moreover, Chahal also expressed his virtuoso when he won the Purple cap in IPL 2022.
On the flip side, Shahbaz Ahmed who has been patiently waiting for his chance by warming on the bench will now be eager to get into this three-way battle.
Why is there only 1 spot left for a Specialised spinner?
- The answer to this is very simple. India cannot afford to play two specialised spinners against the Kiwis. The NewZealand players can play good spin and moreover, India’s pace attack, Siraj in particular has been the best bowler in recent times.
- Washington Sundar will have his chance with the ball. He slots in as a bowling all-rounder but can come in very handy in playing some big shots, as and when required to finish off a game.
- There is no chance to drop Sundar. A left-handed batter and a right-arm off-spinner is a unique combination that can trouble many left-handed Kiwi batters.
- With one slot already booked in terms of the spin department (read Sunday), that leaves just a solitary spot in the leg spinner option.
- Shahbaz might be left off in the bench, but it will be tough to choose between either of Chahal or Kuldeep for the upcoming game.
IND vs NZ: Kuldeep vs Chahal? India break ‘KulCha’ pair, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal compete for 1 spot in Playing XI, Shahbaz Ahmed also in contention – Check out
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