Keeping in mind the T20 WC, India must play both Chahal and Kuldeep in Sri Lanka series: VVS Laxman

Former Indian batter VVS Laxman opines that India must play Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka as that will help them gain confidence. Notably, the Kuldeep-Chahal duo proved a blessing for India in the limited-overs setup before a decline in the former’s performance led him to lose his spot in the team.

India’s increasing reliance on pacers and other spinners such as Axar Patel and Washington Sundar coming into reckoning have meant that the ‘Kul-Cha’ duo has not regrouped since June 2019, when they played against hosts England in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

With the T20 World Cup looming, giving the two a chance against Sri Lanka might do the trick for India, at least going by Laxman’s thought. “I would like to see them play in three ODIs, because there are six spinners. I think in ODIs, each bowler will get to play 10 overs,” Laxman said during Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’. “So, the more overs they bowl, the more success they have, they will get back the confidence — especially Kuldeep Yadav.”

“Chahal is a successful and experienced bowler, he is high on confidence and a very important member, keeping in mind the T20 World Cup. I think Kuldeep requires to get his confidence back,” he added.

VVS Laxman wants Suryakumar Yadav to play all the matches on Sri Lanka tour

Further, Laxman heaped praise on Suryakumar Yadav and stated that India must use him in all the six games in the upcoming series.

“I was excited seeing the way Suryakumar Yadav batted at No.3. His first scoring shot in international cricket, that too against a quality fast bowler like Jofra Archer, shows the kind of confidence, the talent and the skill he possesses – this is a great opportunity! “I want him to play all six matches because he is someone who can definitely walk into the T20 World Cup squad, as far as I am concerned. I want him to grow and gain the confidence of scoring runs, even at the international level,” he added.

India are set to take on hosts Sri Lanka in a limited-overs series, comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is, starting on July 13.