Former batter Wasim Jaffer backed Yuzvendra Chahal to retain his place in the playing XI ahead of the third T20 against New Zealand, as the visiting side appeared to struggle against spin bowling in the previous match.
Chahal was brought in by India for the second T20I in Lucknow, where he bowled two overs in the low-scoring match and claimed the wicket of Finn Allen.
"Yuzvendra Chahal would be preferable because New Zealand struggles against spinners, and if a wrist-spinner is available, India should use it. Umran Malik, as previously stated, struggles in T20 cricket. He has yet to master the variations required for success in this format. As a result, Chahal is a better option." Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
Jaffer also suggested a top-order batting change, stating that the Indian think tank could replace Shubman Gill with opener Prithvi Shaw for the third T20I.
"If India makes a change, Prithvi Shaw, who is in good form and is better suited for T20 cricket, could replace Shubman Gill. Otherwise, I'm not overly concerned about Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tripathi "He stated.
After losing the first game, India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the second T20I to level the series. The Men in Blue will play New Zealand in the third and final T20I on Wednesday in Ahmedabad in an attempt to win the three-match T20I series.