Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has shared his insights on the ongoing T20 International series between India and West Indies, suggesting changes for the Indian team. Jaffer recommends that opener Ishan Kishan should be given a break in the third T20I due to his recent struggles with batting form.
Kishan, 25, has faced difficulties in scoring big runs in the first two matches of the series. After scoring only six runs in nine balls during the first T20I, he managed to make 27 runs off 23 balls in the second match.
“We’ve seen that Ishan Kishan has been struggling in the T20 internationals, so it might be a good idea to give him some time off. Sometimes a break can help a player come back stronger for the next game,” Jaffer shared with ESPNcricinfo.
Additionally, Jaffer suggested that the Indian team should consider opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third T20I. Jaiswal’s strong performance in the Test series, where he scored 266 runs in two matches with an impressive average of 88.67, has caught Jaffer’s attention.
“I have no doubts about selecting Yashasvi Jaiswal. He brings a fearless attitude to the game. He handles spin well and shows great skill against fast bowlers. He’s currently in top form and high on confidence, so why not give him a chance? He has proven himself in Tests and is eager for an opportunity,” explained the former Indian opener.
Furthermore, Jaffer highlighted an observation about Indian skipper Hardik Pandya’s use of left-arm spinner Axar Patel in the T20Is. In the second T20I, Axar was not given a single over to bowl, despite the pitch favouring slower bowling. Jaffer speculated that Pandya might not have favoured using the left-arm spinner against the West Indian left-handed batsmen, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer.
“This situation has been evident with Axar Patel, not just in the national team but also in his IPL franchise. It appears that whenever a left-handed batsman comes in, there’s hesitation to let him bowl. While I understand the caution with Nicholas Pooran, I was surprised that Axar wasn’t given the ball when both Pooran and Hetmyer were dismissed. Even though Yuzvendra Chahal was available for the final over, it was unexpected that Axar didn’t get to bowl,” Jaffer remarked.
After facing defeats in the first two matches by margins of four runs and two wickets respectively, the Indian team is aiming for a strong comeback in the crucial third match against West Indies.
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-IANS
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