He Came Into His Element – Wasim Jaffer lauds Ravi Bishnoi On His Dazzling Debut

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer is quite pleased with Ravi Bishnoi’s performance on his international debut. On Thursday he returned with figures of 2/17 in his 4 overs. West Indies batters failed to read his googlies.

Firstly he trapped Roston Chase plumb with a googly then Powell was caught at long-on in the same over. West Indies was restricted to 157/7 which India chased down with 7 balls to spare.

“Leg-spinners always do well against the West Indies”- Wasim Jaffer

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer who previously worked with Ravi Bishnoi in Punjab Kings lauded his performance. He also pointed out that West Indies struggled against wrist spinners over the years.

“Really, really pleased to see the way he handled himself in his first international game. The catch where his leg touched the rope, I think that was probably just the nervousness and when he came on to bowl, he came into his element.

“Fine performance. [For] a first game, I think he had a dream start. And that’s what I had expected. Leg-spinners always do well against the West Indies and he did really, really well,” Wasim Jaffer said.

He also pointed out that India can play 2 leg-spinners consistently in their XI. He gave an example of Punjab Kings in the last two seasons when they used to play M Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi in the same XI. Jaffer believes that both leggies can be a handy option in Australia where the next T20 World Cup will be played.

“I think it’s a good call. Even in Punjab Kings, we did play Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin [together] at times. It’s a very positive way to [approach] the game. Sometimes finger spinners have very limited options.

“So going with two leg-spinners can give you dividents. The leg-spinners always bring you into the game and that’s what we’ve seen. Both Chahal and Bishnoi bowled so well in this game and future also we might see both of them playing, you never know,” Jaffer added.

The second T20I will be played on February 18 at the same venue.

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