Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif slammed team management over Mohammed Siraj’s handling after the opening ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday.
Siraj didn’t play the series opener against the Kiwis as Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi Dar and Gurnoor Brar were preferred ahead of him.
Siraj also played a solitary ODI out of the three games against the West Indies and returned with figures of 1-48 in eight overs he bowled.
Siraj has scalped 77 wickets in 51 ODI matches at an average of 25.67.
“I am a little unhappy that Siraj is not getting chances. He is a proven bowler. Is the theory to try new bowlers for the next six months and look at the new lot? I don’t know. But Siraj not playing is beyond my understanding. It is not good if they have dropped Siraj, thinking Anshul, Gurnoor, and Nabi can bat a bit. This has become a trend now. That is why even Kuldeep is not playing,” Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The former UP batter reckons the fear of top-order collapse might be forcing the team management to back depth in the batting unit.
“I think there is some fear that if there is a top-order collapse and Rohit and Kohli do not fire, which is why they are playing Anshul, Gurnoor, and Nabi for batting depth. I do not understand any other reason why Siraj is not playing. If he is in the squad, it means he is fit and available. I think batting is the only reason. But I feel they are setting a wrong trend. If these guys are proven bowlers, it raises questions about why they are not getting a chance, even in the absence of Bumrah and Hardik. Siraj and Kuldeep are facing issues due to not having batting skills.”
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
