Krishnamachari Srikkanth labels Khaleel Ahmed as a misfit: Here's why
What's the story
Young Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been on the receiving end of late, owing to his poor bowling in the ongoing series against Bangladesh.
Having been smacked for seven consecutive fours in a row, the left-arm pacer is under pressure in the build-up to the World T20.
Meanwhile, former Indian bowler Krishnamachari Srikkanth has labeled him a misfit, besides issuing a warning for him.
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He [Khaleel] has to learn fast: Srikkanth
"Frankly, Khaleel Ahmed looks a misfit at this level. There is always scope for improvement, but he has to learn fast," Srikkanth wrote in his column for The Times of India.
Khaleel vs Bangladesh
Khaleel has had a sorry performance in the two T20Is
Considering Khaleel's performance in the ongoing T20Is against Bangladesh, it has been a sorry one for him.
In the two matches so far, he has managed to claim a couple of wickets, but at a price of humongous runs of 81 in eight overs, including a horrific average of 40.50 and an economy of 10.12.
Deepak's variations
Srikkanth calls for Deepak Chahar to add variations to bowling
Analyzing the series further, Srikkanth demanded that pacer Deepak Chahar adds some variations to his bowling for better impact Down Under.
"In countries like Australia and South Africa, he might find it tough, as the ball does not dart around too much. If he can add a couple of more variations, he could well be the front-runner to fill that one slot," he added.
Spinners' impact
Srikkanth backs spinners to make impact Down Under
Keeping an eye on the World T20, Srikkanth feels that the spinners are likely to make a big impact Down Under, as he demanded to get Kuldeep Yadav back in the side.
"In my opinion, wrist spinners are going to play a pivotal role and it is high time Kuldeep Yadav is back in the mix," noted Srikkanth.
Kuldeep-Chahal combination
Bigger boundaries in Australia to make Kuldeep-Chahal a deadly combination
Noting further on Kuldeep, Srikkanth believes that the bigger boundaries in Australia are likely to make Kuldeep, along with Yuzvendra Chahal, a deadly spin option.
"The case of Kuldeep is curious, a matter of regaining confidence than anything else. And, this series would have been ideal to give him some game time," Srikkanth further noted, besides backing Kuldeep's experience over Rahul Chahar.
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Srikkanth backs Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar to take their rightful spots
"With Hardik Pandya the first choice all-rounder and three spinners slotted, it's time to move focus to the new ball and seam department. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar should take their rightful places. The area of concern is that of the support bowler," concluded Srikkanth.