IPL 2019 | Mumbai Indians will have to go with who they think is better spinner, asserts Gautam Gambhir

04/05/2019

Gautam Gambhir has stated that Mumbai Indians’ decision to include Rahul Chahar ahead of Mayank Markande in the match against Chennai Super Kings was the right choice. Chahar’s inclusion also proved to be a masterstroke for the team as MS Dhoni failed against the spinner in the middle overs.

Mumbai Indians registered a resounding 37-run win against Chennai Super Kings in their first encounter of the season earlier this week. A late flurry of shots from all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard powered the home team to a strong total of 170 after 20 overs.

Some good bowling in the second innings from the likes of Jason Behrendorff and Lasith Malinga helped in dismantling the CSK batting line-up who scored just 133/8 in their 20 overs. Rahul Chahar, who was handed a place in the starting line-up instead of Mayank Markande, impressed with the ball giving just 11 runs from his two overs.

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper Gautam Gambhir reckons that going with Chahar instead of Markande was indeed the right choice made by Mahela Jayawardene and the rest of the MI coaching staff.

"It’s not about Mayank Markande if Rahul Chahar is bowling better and is giving more control, could be the wicket-taking option then the MI should go with Chahar. Though Mayank Markande had a fabulous previous Ipl and played in the Indian team in Australia in a T20 match as well. But again, MI will have to go with someone they think is bowling better in the nets, gives more options and wicket taking abilities.

"If Rahul Chahar is the one, then back him on a wicket like this (Wankhede Stadium) when there was hardly anything for the spinners. Two good overs which took pressure off from the fifth bowler as well. Krunal Pandya and Rahul Chahar could bowl two overs each and just finish it off. So, I feel that’s the right way to go about things," Gambhir said in a recent interview on Star Sports.

Rohit Sharma & Co. will next go up against table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial tie on Saturday in Hyderabad.