Ian Chappell tags Kuldeep Yadav biggest threat on Australian pitches

New Delhi : India may have big names like Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar on its side when it comes to quality bowling; but Ian Chappell believes that the biggest threat on Australian pitches is Kuldeep Yadav. India is scheduled to play Australia in December this year.

India’s Australia tour may still be about six months away and the schedule for which may change depending on the virus spread but experts and former cricketers have already started to derive strategies for both sides.

“Kuldeep Yadav’s wristspin is the biggest wicket-taking threat on Australian pitches. The decision will call for brave selections,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.

Kuldeep Yadav has been a part of team India for a long time now in limited over game.  Kuldeep has taken 24 wickets in the 6 Tests he has played so far. Interestingly, Kuldeep’s last Test was in Australia in 2019 where the wrist-spinner had picked up five wickets in the first innings.

“Choosing a spinner will prove a major headache for the Indian selectors. R Ashwin has a great overall record, but not so much in Australia. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round talents and improved bowling form make him a legitimate challenger,” Chappell said.

Chappell also said all-rounder Hardik Pandya can play a crucial role.

“Assuming India have a full-strength squad - three West Indies cricketers have opted out of the upcoming series in England - the touring selectors have a crucial role to play. It will help if Hardik Pandya is available. He gives India an extra bowling option to maintain the pressure when the leading fast bowlers need a rest. This is Pandya’s chance to gradually build up overs in the three Tests before the SCG match, where he could act as the third seamer so that a second spinner can be included. Having Pandya at seven would necessitate Rishabh Pant keeping and batting at six,” Chappell wrote.