"You expect Kuldeep to be the pick of the bowlers" - Aakash Chopra on wrist-spinner's concerning form in SL vs IND ODIs

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns regarding Kuldeep Yadav and Shubman Gill's form in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue lost the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday by 32 runs, conceding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with only the final ODI to go.

Kuldeep took two wickets to add to his one wicket in the previous game, which was tied. Chopra felt it wasn't enough in comparison to his Sri Lankan counterpart Jeffrey Vandersay who took a match-winning 6/33 -- the best spell for a wrist-spinner against India in ODIs -- in the second innings.

"We are saying this is a slow track and he isn't getting much help," Chopra said in the latest video on his YouTube channel (2:58). "He took wickets -- got Janith Liyanage caught and bowled but it's also true that on the same pitch, Jeffrey Vandersay took six wickets. He's also a wrist spinner so you expect Kuldeep to be the pick of the bowlers but that hasn't happened yet."

Although Kuldeep threatened for more wickets in the middle-overs on the turning track than what his numbers show, the Sri Lankan batters found effective ways to play him out by either waiting on the backfoot or sweeping. Vandersay allowed neither easily to the Indians with his accuracy and pace.

"He's thinking runs are available here" - Aakash Chopra on Gill

Gill got out to a brilliant catch from Kamindu Mendis for 35 (44) after his 16 (35) in the first match. Chopra felt that his attempts to play long knocks on these tracks were going against him.

"Shubman Gill hasn't looked dominating yet," he said (4:58). "He's thinking runs are available here and he can play a huge innings -- score 70, 80 or maybe even 100 runs. But he's not able to reach there and is getting out."

India will play the third and final ODI on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

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