Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has opined that Arshdeep Singh deserved to win the ‘Man of the Match’ in the series opener against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday.
Singh returned with figures of 4-70 in his 10 overs as he accounted for Will Young, in-form Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson and Henry Nicholls.
However, Anshul Kamboj was awarded Player of the Match for returning with figures of 2-22 in his quota of 10 overs. Kamboj bowled two maidens and dismissed New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith.
Kaif said Arshdeep was more impressive as he was able to put the New Zealand batters under pressure by striking early.
“Arshdeep was more impressive. He built pressure by picking wickets at the top. Anshul got wickets later on of the lower-order batters. But Arshdeep put New Zealand out of the game by picking early wickets. His two overs at the end were bad, but he took four wickets. I think he deserved to win the ‘Man of the Match’. He set the tone of the game upfront,” Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The former UP batter said he was impressed with Kamboj’s release points.
“What I liked about Anshul Kamboj was his release point. The lengths that he hit and the dot balls that he bowled were because of his wrist position, that helps the ball pitch on the seam and get lateral movement. That is why he looked more effective. I would want to see Nabi in two more games. If the decision has been taken, there should not be a situation where you drop him for two games and then bring him back. It gives a confusing signal. Give enough chances before bringing someone else in.”
The NatWest Trophy final hero praised the team management for backing young pacers like Anshul Kamboj.
“I always keep telling we should not judge anyone by one or two games. It is unfair. Playing in the IPL and for India has a lot of difference. I will praise the management for backing Anshul Kamboj and playing him. He was very expensive in his last ODI. We often judge too soon. But I will praise them for backing both Kamboj and Nabi. These are good calls,” he said.
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
