IND vs SL 2023: Dropping Yuzvendra Chahal for Washington Sundar would be a huge call – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons dropping Yuzvendra Chahal for Washington Sundar will be a huge call in the second T20I against Sri Lanka, which will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Thursday.

Chahal had an ordinary outing in the opening T20I at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai as he went wicketless and conceded 26 runs in his two overs. The leg-spinner leaked 17 runs in his second over and he was taken for two sixes by Wanindu Hasaranga.

However, despite Chahal’s mundane performance in the first T20I, Jaffer believes the leg-spinner’s place in the team would not be under threat.

Speaking with ESPN Cricinfo, Jaffer said, “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,” he added.

Not only Chahal had a bad day at the office on Tuesday but also Axar Patel leaked 31 runs in the three overs he bowled. However, he successfully defended 12 runs in the final over.

On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh missed the first T20I due to illness. Former domestic giant feels Singh might replace Harshal Patel in the second game if he has recovered. Harshal also conceded 41 runs in the four overs he bowled.

“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 further said.

India had taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after winning the first game by two runs. The second T20I will be played in Pune on Thursday.