New Delhi, February 13 Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar expects left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav to replace fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in India's high-profile T20 World Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.
Arshdeep was targeted by Namibian batsmen on Thursday, even though the defending champion home side won by 93 runs to maintain its winning streak. He also failed to complete his full quota of four overs.
"All our bowlers took wickets. Arshdeep didn't bowl his four overs, while Shivam Dube bowled two and Hardik completed his quota. This suggests that Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan.
"The pitches in Sri Lanka favour spinners, and India has a history of playing three spinners. I expect Kuldeep to be in the starting XI against Pakistan in Colombo," Gavaskar said on Star Sports' Amul Cricket Live.
Gavaskar also said that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has strategically used his bowlers against Pakistan.
"Hardik bowling the first over suggests that Arshdeep might not play in the next match against Pakistan. Varun Chakaravarthy bowled only two overs and could have taken five or six wickets if he had bowled his full four overs.
"The best thing about Varun is that he takes wickets whenever he is asked to bowl. Axar Patel took two wickets in three overs, which is a good sign," he said.
Gavaskar also explained how batsman Sanju Samson, who replaced the unwell Abhishek Sharma, is struggling due to his deep crease movement. Samson was dismissed after scoring 22 runs in eight balls, including three sixes.
"Sanju Samson has a technical issue. He goes too deep into the crease and plays that flick shot. You can only hope that he times it correctly, or it goes for a six. He needs to improve, especially when he opens against the new ball.
"Namibia were clever with their field placements. They set a field to get Samson out. But it was good that he hit some good shots. That must have given him some confidence. If he plays the next match against Pakistan, he needs to spend more time at the crease," he said.
