Rahul Dravid suggests Yuzvendra Chahal to play more red-ball cricket

The former India captain said the leg-spinner has the skills and has been given the chance to prove himself in the ongoing 'A' series against South Africa.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who excelled in limited overs cricket and formed a lethal combination with Kuldeep Yadav, must focus on playing more red-ball cricket to gain experience in the longer format, suggested India ‘A’ coach Rahul Dravid.

The former India captain said the leg-spinner has the skills and has been given the chance to prove himself in the ongoing 'A' series against South Africa.

"Chahal is someone the Indian selectors are keen on and they want to see how he does in red-ball cricket because he has not played much. So, it is nice that we gave him a couple of chances and it has worked out nicely. So, the more Chahal plays red-ball cricket, the more experience he will gain. There is no doubt, as we see, that he had got skills, but he needs to play a lot more," Dravid said.

Chahal has had a lot of success with the white ball when he toured for "A" series in Australia, Dravid said after India A beat South Africa A by an innings and 30 runs.

The legendary batsman is also pleased with the development of players such as Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw.

"I think they have shown over the last year or so with their performances that they are playing very good cricket. It's nice to see them developing and growing as players. Whether there is an opportunity or not, it is not for me to decide. But they have played really well. Mayank Agarwal was quite exceptional in this game and Prithvi has shown continuous improvement in every level he has played," he told reporters at the post-match session.

Praising Mohammad Siraj, who bagged ten wickets against South Africa and helped India A clinch the first unofficial test, Dravid said he has been terrific.

 “I think maturity is one thing. Definitely, the way he has bowled in last three to four games for us in England and there has been absolutely terrific. He has taken 26 wickets in last three to four games. Also 10 here. He is maturing and bowling well, and also he is becoming stronger physically,” he said.