‘Rishabh Pant is irreplaceable in the 50-over format, chinaman bowler brings more mystery’ - Wasim Jaffer makes his predictions for second ODI

India will enter Seddon Park in Hamilton with the hopes of making a comeback in the three-match ODI series and former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer predicted the changes for the game. The Shikhar Dhawan led-side went with five bowlers and six batters' theory in the first ODI which did not work out and the lack of bowling options clearly played its part while defending the target.  

Also, the top order was quite conservative in its batting approach, and in the end, India fell short by at least 20-30 runs while posting the total. Speaking on the options available on the bench, Jaffer felt that India might try out Kuldeep Yadav in place of Yuzvendra Chahal, who conceded 67 in his ten overs without picking up a wicket.

Jaffer also felt that Deepak Chahar might replace Arshdeep Singh who did not have the best of debuts in the first ODI. 

“We may see Kuldeep Yadav playing in place of Yuzvendra Chahal. I think the Chinaman bowler brings more mystery to the table. Also, maybe Arshdeep get replaced by Deepak Chahar because then you will have depth in the batting. Chahar can swing the ball and since he adds strength to batting, the top-order batters can play more fearlessly,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.  

Deepak Hooda is indeed a tempting option: Wasim Jaffer 

With not many batters who can bowl in the top six for India, Jaffer noted that Deepak Hooda might get a chance in the playing XI as an all-rounder. Jaffer seemed quite confident that Pant is unlikely to be replaced in the format despite another early dismissal in the first ODI against New Zealand.

“Deepak Hooda is indeed a tempting option, but I don’t think he would replace Rishabh Pant who is irreplaceable, especially in this format,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for the second ODI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton is not promising with high chances of rain playing spoilsport.