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Chahal's growth makes India favourites at T20 World Cup: Brad Hogg
Follow UsSince returning to the India squad since the T20 World Cup, Chahal has picked up 26 wickets from 20 white-ball games
Former Australia wrist spinner Brad Hogg reckons India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's method to rebuild himself since he was dropped from the T20 World Cup last year makes him a dangerous asset for the mega event slated to be played in three months' time.
Since his return to the Indian squad after the T20 World Cup, Chahal has picked up 26 wickets from 20 matches in white-ball cricket. Hogg reckons Chahal will play a key role in Australia later this year.
"(Having seen) his growth over the last year or two, he is going to have a better series (the T20 World Cup) in Australia," Hogg told reporters on the sidelines of a 'Western Australia' tourism event.
"He had a period where he got found out but he has found a method to rebuild himself and get back into the contest.
"He (Chahal) has grown as an individual which is another reason India are favourites," said Hogg, who played 123 ODIs for Australia as a left-arm wrist spinner."
Hogg also adds that Chahal will be a useful option, especially in the middle-overs, where he is among the best in the world.
"Chahal is up there. I think leg-spin in T20 cricket is probably the most effective option, especially in those middle overs. And the thing I like about Chahal is that he is up there with the best," he opined.
Speaking of the in-form batter Suryakumar Yadav, Hogg says that he is the most damaging batter currently. "Suryakumar is going to be batting in the top-order. He is probably the most damaging batsman. He is a tough batsman to bowl to because he scores in different areas.
"If he and (Rishabh) Pant are out in the middle, both are different players, but they are unorthodox, so it is very hard to set them up with a good game-plan," he added.
Meanwhile, Hogg termed South Africa's decision to pull out of the ODIs in Australia, which were to be held next year, due to their cramped schedule and launch of their domestic T20 league as disappointing.
"We have seen the problems with South Africa. They (South Africa) have pulled out of the tour to Australia (ODIs) for their T20 competition and for me that is disappointing. At the end of the day, we need to keep the great international game going," he signed off.
(With inputs from PTI)