'Deepak Chahar far better option than Bhuvneshwar in Australia' - Danish Kaneria

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria reckons that Deepak Chahar is a far better option than senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar when it comes to bowling in the Australian conditions. Giving further clarification on the same, Danish said that if the conditions down under do not assist swing, then Bhuvneshwar will get hit all over the park.

Kaneria made this statement due to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's poor form during the death overs. Apart from being expensive in the penultimate overs during the Asia Cup 2022 against arch-rivals Pakistan and the eventual champions Sri Lanka, the UP cricketer also showcased lackluster performances in the home series against Australia that followed.

Deepak Chahar is a far better option than Bhuvneshwar: Danish Kaneria

“One thing is clear, if there is no swing, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be punished. He has been hit in the death overs and there will be hard tracks in Australia. Deepak Chahar is a far better option than Bhuvneshwar and he can also bat when required,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

“Mohammed Siraj has been called up for the South Africa series. This player will do well because he is energetic and always wants to deliver. Siraj has the body language of a fast bowler, and he, too, knows that he needs to grab the opportunity with both hands,” Kaneria added.

Chahar has been included in India's list of standby players for the T20 World Cup 2022 alongside Mohammed Shami. Either of those two could be selected if pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah gets ruled out of the tournament due to his ongoing back injury.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj has been included in the Indian team for the ongoing South Africa T20Is and it remains to be seen whether he will get a place in the playing XI for the next two matches ahead of Bhuvneshwar. 

After an impressive eight-wicket win in the first game, the Men in Blue will hope to seal the series when they face South Africa in the second T20I in Guwahati on Sunday, October 2.