Kedar Jadhav gives an extra bowling option to captain, says Sunil Gavaskar

09/21/2018

Impressed by Kedar Jadhav’s performance in previous matches, Sunil Gavaskar has stated that he could be used as a good all-rounder for India in Hardik Pandya's absence. He also stated that India shouldn't take teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan lightly and should aim to win all the matches.

India started off the Asia Cup campaign against minnows Hong Kong and seemed to look a bit loose as Hong Kong tried their best to build a partnership at the very beginning and chase the target of 286 runs. However, the Indian bowlers took quick wickets in the last ten overs to restrict them at a score of 259 runs. It didn't seem like team India was completely ready to face their arch-rivals Pakistan right on the next day after their match with Hong Kong. But the team put an end to the doubts regarding their form as they managed to beat Pakistan in a very convincing manner. Indian Pacers picked up early wickets and managed to stop Pakistan at a low total of just 162 runs. Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the game as he got injured while bowling. However, Kedar Jadhav fulfilled his role as an all-rounder in Pandya's absence and managed to pick up 3 wickets.

Sunil Gavaskar stated that Kedar Jadhav's game during the match against Pakistan has created a good impression upon him and it reflected that he could play the all-rounder's role.

“Kedar Jadhav has shown he can fulfill the allrounder's role,like he did in the game against Pakistan as well as Hong Kong. Whether the opposition underrated his bowling or they get mesmerised by his various delivery points, he does a sterling job for his team and gives the extra option to the captain in case one of the main bowlers is having a hard day,” Gavaskar wrote in TOI.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan opened the Indian innings with a lot of fireworks as both the players managed to score 52 and 46 runs respectively. After Rohit Sharma's unfortunate dismissal, Ambati Rayudu yet again acted as a good support to Shikhar Dhawan. Sunil Gavaskar spoke largely of the opening pair and mentioned that they've gotten back to their real forms in this tournament.

“India will be mighty pleased with the return to form of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Getting off to a flying start makes the journey towards a big score eminently easier. Rayudu is looking in good touch too and his direct hit runout of Shoaib Malik ensured Pakistan did not have a late flourish,” he said.

Teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan have proved their worth in the previous matches in which they beat Sri Lanka. Bangladesh managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a low score of just 124 runs and won the match by a margin of 137 runs. Similarly, Afghanistan also restricted them to a low score of 158 runs and won by a margin of 91 runs. Gavaskar has stated that India should not underestimate such teams in the upcoming matches because they never know how things might turn.

“There is a danger sometimes after all the hype about India-Pakistan encounters that teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan can be taken lightly. After their experience against Hong Kong, India will certainly not make that mistake and will want to win every match in this tournament and as tellingly as they won against Pakisan. Both Bangladesh and Afghanistan have shown how well they have come on in One-day cricket with the wins over Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's commitment to the cause could be seen with the way Tamim Iqbal came out to bat despite a broken hand. The pocket dynamo Mushfiqur gets better and better and Bangladesh have the attack to defend even a small score,” Gavaskar concluded.

Kedar Jadhav gives an extra bowling option to captain, says Sunil Gavaskar

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