Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth has criticised the team management for opting for multiple spinners instead of including an additional fast bowler in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth questioned the selection strategy, pointing out that New Zealand’s conditions are generally expected to favour seamers. He also suggested that India could have included either Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami to strengthen the pace-bowling department.
“Having three spinners is a luxury. In fact, with Naman Dhir, it’s 3.5 spinners because he’s playing more as a spinner. He’s a spinner who can bat at the moment in this Indian setup. So, instead of four spinners, India should have picked one more medium-pacer. Why do you need so many spinners in New Zealand conditions? Either Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami should have been there,” Srikkanth said.
“Shami needs to have a look in also, especially with the 50-over World Cup coming in South Africa. So many spinners will be a waste in New Zealand. With Axar Patel and Naman Dhir sure to play, only one of Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakaravarthy can play. You needed another reserve medium pacer,” he added.
The five-match T20I series will begin on Thursday, October 22, with the opening match scheduled to take place in Christchurch. The second T20I will also be played in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, followed by the third match in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. The fourth T20I will be played in Auckland on Friday, October 30, while the series will conclude with the fifth match in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1.
India’s T20I Squad vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson [WK], Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
