England vs India: Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will have a big role to play: VVS Laxman

India are currently in England for a three-match ODI series, which starts today at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The Men in Blue were comprehensive in the T20I series and won the same by 2-1. Their batsmen and bowlers combined well and put forth a collective effort.

They had some injury concerns, but instead of letting the situation getting the better of them, Virat Kohli’s men stood tall. After Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah were ruled out, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was sidelined for the last T20I in Bristol owing to a stiff back.

Kuldeep Yadav churned out a five-wicket haul at Old Trafford in Manchester, however, was benched for the match at the County Ground and the decision furrowed a few eyebrows. VVS Laxman, the former Indian cricketer, reckoned that Kuldeep and Chahal will be important to the Men in Blue’s chances in the 50-over format.

Expect another cracking set of contests

“England started brilliantly against an inexperienced pace attack with Bhuvi also missing through back spasms. I was a little surprised to see Kuldeep left out only one game after his match-winning performance in Manchester.

I am sure he and Yuzvendra Chahal will have a big role to play in the ODI series. England looked on course for 225 after reaching 100 in the 10th over, but the Indian bowlers came back superbly,” Laxman wrote in his column for The Times of India (TOI).

England are the number one ranked team in ODIs and recently they managed to humble Australia by 5-0 in their erstwhile ODI series. India are the second-ranked team and are expected to pose a sterner challenge to the Brits. Laxman also touted the series to be a closely-fought one. Meanwhile, he seemed a tad concerned about India’s ‘weakened’ pace attack.

“Next up is the 50-over showdown, and I expect another cracking set of contests. England are the No. 1 team, a far more dangerous proposition in the one-day game, and they will be encouraged that India’s pace attack is a little weakened with Bumrah out injured and Bhuvi an uncertain starter.

India’s batting looks in good health and barring the unforeseen, I don’t anticipate too many changes. There is plenty of class and experience, and several batsmen haven’t had much to do in the five T20s on tour so far,” the cricketer added.

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