Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

India vs West Indies: ‘Team management should rather groom a youngster’ - Experts debate role of middle-order batsman

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Dec 17, 2019 11:38 AM IST

Jadhav has bowled only 24 overs in his last 13 ODI games and his lack of penetration cost India the last match in Chennai.

Shreyas Iyer could well have sorted the discussions over the number 4 slot, but now, debates and deliberations have started over Kedar Jadhav as an option for the number six slot. Although, the Maharashtra batsman looked assured and scored 40 off 35 balls in Chennai, he was nowhere as effective with the ball and this has sparked contrasting views over his place in the side.

He has bowled only 24 overs in his last 13 ODI games and his lack of penetration cost India the last match in Chennai. VVS Laxman believes it is for the team management to decide if they see Jadhav as an option going forward. Harbhajan Singh wants him to bowl more or else there could be a few more viable options at no 6.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ALSO READ: India’s predicted XI for 2nd ODI; Virat Kohli could change bowling attack

“It would be interesting to know whether Kedar Jadhav is being thought as an option for the 2023 World Cup. If not, then youngsters who are in contention for T20 World Cup berth could have been tried out in ODIs well,” Laxman said on air during his Hindi commentary stint with official broadcasters.

“Kedar is most effective when the wicket is low and slow. I believe that he could have been given a few more overs by the captain. I am not saying Kedar doesn’t fit into the team but he has to bowl more,” Harbhajan weighed in. “It is because purely as no 6 batsman, when I look around I see a few options like Manish Pandey or Sanju Samson. Even Rishabh (Pant) at times won’t be a bad no 6 batsman.

“I feel rather than young Shivam Dube, Kedar could have been given a few more overs. Had your lead bowler given away 11 in his first over, you would have given him another over. Also I feel for Dube but if he gets as many chances as Hardik, he will also improve,” Harbhajan further added.

Former wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta believes India should groom a younger player keeping in mind the T20 World Cup.

“For me, Kedar is the best no 6 in all the options that we have. But he needs to bowl more. If he is not going to be a sixth bowling option who gives at least five to six overs per game, then there is no point, The team management should rather groom a youngster keeping T20 World Cup in mind,” Dasgupta said.

ALSO READ: Pant reacts after fans chant his name in Dhoni’s ‘home’ Chennai

Irfan Pathan, however, feels that the Jadhav is the perfect fit for the number 6 spot and has done nothing wrong to be benched.

“I would take an average of 42 plus in ODI cricket any day. Even in Chennai he batted well for his 40 runs. I don’t see any reason why he needs to be replaced,” Pathan said.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP