Both Arshdeep and Chahar were part of Team India’s playing XI for the opening T20I against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, September 28. Bumrah was ruled out of the game due to a niggle.
Arshdeep was Player of the Match for his figures of three for 32 (all of his wickets came in one over), while Chahar also impressed with two for 24. Thanks to the pace bowling duo, India held the Proteas to 106 for eight and won the game by eight wickets.
In a post-match discussion, Jaffer was asked who Bumrah should replace in case he is fit for the upcoming T20Is. He told ESPNcricinfo:
Pointing out that Harshal Patel hasn’t been having the best time at the death, Jaffer added:
The 44-year-old admitted that Arshdeep’s spell with the new ball on Wednesday would have made the Indian camp very happy. He elaborated:
Arshdeep and Chahar’s excellent opening spell reduced South Africa to nine for five in the third over. However, a hard-fought 41 from Keshav Maharaj lifted them to a somewhat respectable 106 for eight.
“I would keep Ashwin there” - Wasim Jaffer backs off-spinner to retain his place
Team India picked off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of leggie Yuzvendra Chahal for the opening T20I. The veteran spinner did an exceptional job, giving away only eight runs in his four overs, even though he did not claim a wicket.
Jaffer stated that he would retain Ashwin for the second T20I as well. Giving his reasons, he explained:
In Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw and David Miller, South Africa have three left-handers in their top five. Parnell batted at No. 7 in the opening T20I in Thiruvananthapuram.
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