India vs Australia 2019: Khaleel Ahmed or Jaydev Unadkat, who will attract selectors?
Feb 14, 2019 at 4:32 PM
As the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will meet in Mumbai on Friday (February 15), the debate will prolong regarding the left-arm paceman Khaleel Ahmed and Jaydev Unadkat for the spot in impending India vs Australia 2019 limited-overs series.
The choice between the fast-bowling options has a major role to play owing to the rotation policy. The toss-up between the duo may give selectors a tough time as both have done well in their respective areas.
The limited-overs series will kick off with the first of two-match Twenty20 International series on February 24 in Vizag. The five-match ODI series will commence from Match 3.
Thus, it will be Men in Blue’s last assignment before partaking in the quadrennial event.
Recently, Unadkat played a critical role in helping Saurashtra to make it to the final of the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 as a skipper.
Eventually, he bagged 59 wickets in eight Ranji matches including a grand finale against Faiz Fazal-led Vidarbha.
On the other side, youngster Khaleel has done a fair job in series Down Under. Khaleel has been in contention for a good show in the domestic fold. He further made it to the Indian squad. The young gun has a lot to prove to cement his cement in the bowling department.
Unadkat, who hasn’t been regular since 201o, has a wealth of experience on his back including his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Rajasthan-based Khaleel has a fizz in him even though conceding runs in his early days of international career.
Well, with seniors expected to rest, youngsters have a major chance to cash in on the opportunity. But Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will return after a much-needed rest.
Jaydev Unadkat has a chance to bowl in the home series:
Apart from the bowling prospects, the series against Australia will clear a picture of spots to be filled.
For instance, Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant have a role to play to book their spot. So as, KL Rahul, who had faced a lean patch in the international fold, of late. However, a couple of decent performance in the unofficial Tests against England Lions is a glimmer of hope for the Bengaluru-based batsman.
Moreover, the selection committee presided by MSK Prasad would be looking forward to using senior players judiciously ahead of the World Cup.
The ODI showpiece will kick off on May 30 and will run until July 14 in the United Kingdom (UK).