The Indian team had a poor outing in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa as both batsmen and the bowlers struggled to challenge the hosts. While the middle-order struggled to form long partnerships at a quick rate, the bowlers weren’t penetrative enough as Proteas batsmen made merry in the three-match series and completed a 3-0 whitewash.

Talking about the bowling performance, especially of the spinners former India opener Aakash Chopra opined that India need to go back to the formula of playing two wrist spinners and it might be time for Kuldeep Yadav to return in the ODI setup. The cricket commentator said that off-spinner R Ashwin, who returned to the side after more than four years is not a long-term solution in the 50 overs and the same with fellow offie, Jayant Yadav.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Our spin bowling has not been great. Ashwin was there with Yuzi Chahal and you took just three wickets in three matches. Jayant Yadav was played, he was slightly unfortunate. But Jayant Yadav is not your long-term ODI prospect any which way. So Ashwin is not there, Jayant is not there.”

“When you went last time, you bowled with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal and you kept them on a tight leash. The opposing team kept a stranglehold on you, they take three wickets in one match and we took three wickets in the entire series. If we are not doing that penetrative bowling with spin, it means you need to make a change,” he further added.

Chopra admitted that they missed the services of injured all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja but they need spin-bowling options who can take wickets regularly as in the modern ODI cricket, containment is not going to work unless the pressure is put on the opposition by taking wickets.

“Containment will not work, 55 runs in 10 overs is just not good enough. Honestly, you can get hit for 70 in 10 overs but three wickets should be there,” the 44-year old added.