I think they (India) will utilize Yuzi Chahal as much as possible on the tour of New Zealand – Glenn Philips
Kiwi batter Glenn Phillips believes Yuzvendra Chahal will play a key role in India’s bowling attack on the tour of New Zealand while he further added that Chahal’s ability to turn the ball both ways will give India a huge advantage at Wellington.
Leg-spinners have arisen as hot products in T20 cricket and Kiwi batter Glenn Phillips believes Yuzvendra Chahal will play a key role in India’s bowling attack on the tour of New Zealand.
“Every team in T20 cricket is looking for a leg spinner to be a match winner, we’ve got Ish (Sodhi), Afghanistan has got Rashid Khan and everybody has got their leg or wrist spinner out there and they are invariably in the T20 circuit as well as in international cricket.
“I think they (India) will utilize Chahal as much as possible. I can’t say what the team selection will be but I can imagine he will play a crucial part in their attack.”
Philips feels Chahal’s ability to turn the ball both ways will give India a huge advantage at Wellington, where the first T20 will be played on Friday.
“He can turn the ball both ways, especially in a ground like Sky stadium where it’s a small square. If you have the batters guessing which way the ball is going that’s a huge advantage. I reckon he will play a key part in the ODI and T20s.”
India and New Zealand are ready to play a white-ball series less than a week after the T20 World Cup ended. While Phillips is happy to compete in the fixtures, he figures the bowlers are not exactly pleased with the short break.
“I’m a big fan of games that happen quickly, which means you can either turn around your bad form or stick with it longer. But I imagine some bowlers would have preferred a little bit more of a break because of the loads they have to go under.”
The 25-year-old stressed the need to give rest to players between packed schedules.
“You want guys to be relaxed and healthy going into a series. There is so much juggling now of international cricket and leagues, domestic cricket, so the guys will come in tired at times and they do need rest.
“So you have to makes sure you can fill in those places. It is hectic and is their job but they do need a physical and mental break, it’s a very intense lifestyle.”
