Deepak Chahar will be my first choice in T20Is especially over Shardul Thakur, says former India selector

At the current time, India’s two teams are playing simultaneously in different parts of the world which speaks volumes about India’s bench strength. While India’s mainstream team is on the tour to the UK, a comparatively younger squad was sent to Sri Lanka under the guidance of Rahul Dravid for the white-ball series. In the same light of events, former India selector Devang Gandhi has stated that he would prefer Deepak Chahar over Shardul Thakur in T20Is.

It has to be noted that what Chahar flaunted in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka was no less than a dreamy affair. While India was down on 193/7, he went on to built a sturdy partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and didn’t look out of form even for a second. He played an unbeaten knock of 69 runs and pushed India over the line by three wickets. He also picked two wickets alongside while contributing in the bowling section.

Talking about Thakur, he made a case for himself batting lower down the order during India’s tour to Australia. Even he contributed well with the ball in hand. However, Gandhi feels that Chahar surpassed Thakur when it comes to T20Is and he would prefer him in the lot.

The focus should be on the primary skill, reckons Gandhi

“Death bowling has been his concern, but he’s looking to address it. The focus should be on the primary skill, which is Deepak’s bowling. Now if he can keep batting well, it will of course be a boost to India’s lower order. However, in T20Is, Deepak will be my first choice, especially when compared to someone like Shardul Thakur, because he can swing the ball,” Gandhi told The Telegraph.

Though Chahar came over Bhuvneshwar Kumar to come and bat at no. 7, it was Rahul Dravid who came amid all the appreciation for his intelligent move. Chahar shined at no. 7 and gave in all that was required to get the team over the line. Kumar also supported him from one side to end India’s trouble in the 2nd ODI against Dasun Shanaka and his men.