'Yet to learn his traits': Wasim Jaffer on why Young Indian pacer is still a second fiddle in t20 cricket

Team India whitewashed the visiting Kiwis 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series. After a nail-biting victory in the second T20I, the hosts are now looking to seal the deal with a win in the final T20I. Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has opened up on why he feels India's mainstay spin option, Yuzevendra Chahal is a better player for the said game than the young pace gun, Umran Malik.

When asked about the possible replacement of Chahal, Jaffer said he'd rather have Chahal in the team over Umran Malik, India's new pace sensation. From the former batter's point of view, the young pacer is still to master variations that the game's shorter format demands.

Wasim Jaffer's remarks and suggested changes in the playing XI

"It would be better to have Yuzvendra Chahal as New Zealand struggle against spinners, and if there is a wrist-spinner, India must utilize it. As I mentioned previously, Umran Malik struggles in T20 cricket. He is yet to learn the variations needed to succeed in this format. So, in that way, Chahal is a better option," said Jaffer, per ESPNCricinfo.

However, he did suggest one change in the playing XI. As per Jaffer, Prithvi Shaw could be a credible replacement for the misfiring Shubman Gill. The latter scored big runs in the recently concluded ODI series and misfired in the current t20 series. On the other hand, Shaw, who played his last game for India in July 2021, is eyeing a much-awaited comeback.

"If India considers a change, maybe Prithvi Shaw could come in for Shubman Gill because he is in good form and is better suited for T20 cricket. But otherwise, I'm not concerned much about Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tripathi," the veteran added. The veteran, therefore, considers Prithvi Shaw to be a better-suited option for Team India in T20s.