Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has criticized India’s batting after their poor show in the first ODI against Bangladesh. Kaif also stated that Rohit Sharma has not been in good form as a captain and thus he hasn’t been able to lead from the front.
Rohit could not deliver the goods in the T20 World Cup as he scored only 116 runs in six matches at an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 106.42. Subsequently, he was rested for the tour of New Zealand. The talisman scored 27 runs in the first ODI against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka on Sunday.
Meanwhile, India’s batting in the first ODI was not up to the mark as they could only manage 186 runs on the board. KL Rahul top-scored with 73 runs but the rest of the batters failed to contribute to the score. Kaif feels India needs runs from their two veteran batters – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – who both were dismissed cheaply in the first game.
“You have to bat well. We are talking a lot about the bowling, they batted badly. We lost the match because of batting. We need runs from Virat Kohli. We need runs from Rohit Sharma the captain. Rohit Sharma has not been in form as a captain, he has not been able to score regularly,” Kaif said on Sony Sports.
Kaif was also not happy with the team’s selection against New Zealand. India had played Sanju Samson in the first ODI but he was dropped from the remaining two matches as Deepak Hooda was brought in as a sixth bowling option.
“They played three matches in New Zealand, Laxman was there. They lost the first match after conceding 306 runs. After that, they made changes, brought in Hooda as the sixth bowler. After that, when the third ODI came, it was a seaming track where they needed an extra fast bowler, they played the same team,” he added.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Sen had a mixed debut as he scalped two wickets but he was expensive. However, Kaif wants the youngster to get more opportunities in the coming two matches against Bangladesh.
“If they make changes, there will be commotion. If you played any young player, Kuldeep Sen should play all three matches. If you have backed someone and you change that decision because you lost the match, I believe you are not a good captain or coach. Kuldeep Sen was given the cap, it was not his mistake, but the cap is being distributed a lot. He picked up two wickets but proved a little expensive. Overall I will want you to play him. He has pace, he couldn’t bowl well under pressure today but you have to back him,” Kaif said.
The second ODI between India and Bangladesh will be played on Wednesday.
