'Dropping Yuzvendra Chahal...': Wasim Jaffer backs star bowler to feature in Indian playing XI for 2nd T20I vs SL

Senior spinner Yuzvendra Chahal endured a forgetful day with the ball in the series opener against Sri Lanka on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium. With all-rounder Washington Sundar waiting in the wings, it will be interesting to see if India opt to rejig its playing XI for the series decider on Thursday. According to former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer, snubbing spin wizard Chahal from the playing XI for the 2nd T20I would be a ‘huge call’ by the Indian think tank.

Chahal, who was overlooked by the Rahul Dravid-coached side at the T20 World Cup 2022, leaked 26 runs in his first two overs against the Islanders at the Wankhede Stadium. Indian skipper Hardik Pandya couldn't let Chahal complete his quota of overs in the low-scoring thriller. Sharing his views ahead of the series decider between India and Sri Lanka, former Indian opener Jaffer opined that the hosts should have a wrist spinner in their playing XI.

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"Dropping Yuzvendra Chahal for Washington Sundar would be a huge call since I believe there should be a wrist spinner in the playing XI. Even though Sundar provides balance to the side because of his batting as well as his powerplay bowling, I don't think that a bowler like Chahal, who has delivered time and again, will be dropped after one bad outing. I think it is too early to consider making that change," Jaffer told ESPN Cricinfo.

Talking about India's likely playing XI for the 2nd T20I, Jaffer backed pacer Arshdeep Singh to replace misfiring Harshal Patel. "If Arshdeep is available, then I think he will be back in the playing XI. Maybe he will get a chance in place of Harshal Patel. The first T20I was not a good one for Harshal Patel. But apart from that, I do not see any other changes to the playing XI," Jaffer added. Earlier, speedster Arshdeep wasn't available for selection as the fast bowler failed to recover from his illness ahead of the 1st T20I. After taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India will meet Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.