Regarding Yuzvendra Chahal’s selection in India’s team for the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa, Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed surprise.
Three T20Is and as many ODIs between the Men in Blue and the Proteas will precede the series, with the opening match taking place in Durban on Sunday. In India’s ODI team, Chahal is one of four spinners, the others being Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Sanjay Manjrekar was asked about India’s ODI team during a debate on the Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’. While pleased with the seam-bowling department, the former India cricketer was surprised by Chahal’s participation, explaining:
“I like it. Again this is workload management, but I am excited with the fact that Deepak Chahar is back because I like him as a cricketer. Avesh Khan gets another opportunity.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar added:
“I believe Mukesh Kumar is a sturdy and dependable bowler, he has come. Chahal is a surprise inclusion. I thought Chahal was more your bowler for T20 cricket but there they have got somebody like a (Ravi) Bishnoi.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
In 69 ODI innings, Chahal has 121 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 5.26. He was passed over for the 2023 World Cup, with Kuldeep chosen as the lone wrist-spinner. Given that Kuldeep is already in the team, it remains to be seen if the right-arm leg-spinner gets a game against South Africa.
Sanjay Manjrekar lauds Rinku Singh’s elevation in India’s batting ranks
The batting department’s picks of Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson thrilled Sanjay Manjrekar. He clarified:
“Rajat Patidar – really happy to see him fit and raring to go. A big promotion for Rinku Singh. He has now become a part of ODI cricket. I saw Sanju Samson playing ODIs against South Africa in India and I got slightly excited there as well, that he is a good option.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
While acknowledging that the Indian selectors have chosen a brilliant mix, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes that the youthful team will have a stiff test against the Proteas. He stated:
“I am always excited when I see India’s second string or next-generation players. It seems like it is a very strong team but the problem is that South Africa are a formidable team in white-ball cricket and bilateral series. So it will be a stiff test but this team is very good.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
India were defeated 3-0 in their most recent away ODI series against South Africa. The Men in Blue’s 5-1 victory in the Rainbow Nation in 2018 is their lone ODI series victory in the Rainbow Nation.