IND vs SA: Yuzvendra Chahal's inclusion is a surprise, says former India cricketer

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Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his astonishment at the selection of Yuzvendra Chahal for the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa.

Chahal's inclusion has sparked conversations among fans and pundits alike as the Indian team gears up to compete in a tightly scheduled series featuring three T20Is followed by an equal number of ODIs.

India's spin bowling arsenal for the ODIs boasts a quartet of talent, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav joining Chahal in the mix.

Chahal, who has snagged 121 wickets across 69 ODI innings at a commendable economy rate of 5.26, was recently overlooked for the 2023 World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav was chosen over him as the team's preferred wrist-spinner.

With both Chahal and Kuldeep part of the current squad, it remains to be seen how the team management will utilize these two adept leg-spinners in the matches against the Proteas.

During a programme at Star Sports, Manjrekar was asked about Chahal's inclusion and he says he was surprised to see the leg-spinner in the side.

"I am excited with the fact that Deepak Chahar is back because I like him as a cricketer. Avesh Khan gets another opportunity," Manjrekar said.

"I believe Mukesh Kumar is a sturdy and dependable bowler, he has come. Chahal is a surprise inclusion. I thought Chahal was more your bowler for T20 cricket but there they have got somebody like a (Ravi) Bishnoi," he added.

The Indian squad's composition also highlights the rise of new talent, with Rinku Singh earning a significant upgrade to his cricketing career by being included in the ODI team. Additionally, the performance of Sanju Samson in the recent home ODI series against South Africa has not gone unnoticed as he has been recalled for this series.

The former India player also believes it will be a tough test for India in the series but feels the visitors have a good blend of youth and experience in the squad.

"I am always excited when I see India's second string or next-generation players. It seems like it is a very strong team but the problem is that South Africa are a formidable team in white-ball cricket and bilateral series. So it will be a stiff test but this team is very good," Manjrekar concluded.