Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes the side genuinely need a quick fast bowler in the team to add teeth to the attack. According to the former wicketkeeper, since Deepak Chahar has impressed as a swing bowler, India must try Mohammed Siraj instead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The hosts played Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 1st T20I. Discussing the team’s bowling options ahead of the second T20I, Karim suggested one change. Speaking on the Khelneeti podcast, he said:
“A genuinely quick bowler in their playing XI will make Team India’s bowling attack look complete. You need all kinds of bowlers to cover all the bases. With Deepak Chahar there as a swing bowler, instead of Bhuvi, India can play Mohammed Siraj. They also have Harshal Patel, who has excellent variations. This will make the bowling look a lot more stronger.”
Saba Karim feels that India need to make the necessary changes in their playing XI, keeping an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Australia.
“Every side needs bowlers who can bowl in the powerplay, middle overs and at the death as well. Harshal mostly bowls in the middle and end overs. So you need wicket-taking bowlers in the powerplay. Even at the World Cup, bowlers with speeds in the region of 140 kph achieved success. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are examples. Bowlers with good pace should be given chances and developed.”
Apart from Mohammed Siraj, India also have young fast bowler Avesh Khan in their ranks. The pacer from Madhya Pradesh has had a brilliant last couple of months and will be raring to go.
The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies is scheduled to take place on February 18 (Friday) at Eden Gardens.