Mohammad Kaif Slams Team India Management For Their Surprising Decisions In The First T20I

After winning the three-match ODI series, India carried the same momentum when they defeated West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series on 29 July 2022. Ahead of the mega event later this year, India had another fantastic result. But, former India player, Mohammad Kaif came out with an allegation against the Team India management.

Speaking of the match, India scored 190 runs, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s fifty and a 41* run knock from Dinesh Karthik. In reply, West Indies was in complete disarray. They scored only 122 runs in 20 overs. But, while batting first, India made a surprising decision to open the innings with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. However, it did not go well for Mohammad Kaif.

“Whatever that was, I did not understand it at all” – Mohammad Kaif

Speaking on Fancode, Mohammad Kaif said that he did not understand at all why India decided to go with a new opening pair for the match. In the last T20I series, Rishabh Pant was tried as an opening option. Hence, he insisted that India should have given more chances to Pant instead of promoting Yadav.

He said: “Whatever that was, I did not understand it at all. If you were trying Rishabh Pant as the opener for 2-3 matches, then you should have gone with him today as well. Give him at least five chances. And this strategy of captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, they back the players at least 5-6 matches,”

Kaif also added that Suryakumar is most suited for the number four position. He will play that role only when players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will return. “But this did not happen with Pant. And Suryakumar has the role of controlling the innings in the middle and adding those finishing touches. In fact, his role will remain as the No. 4 batter when Kohli and Rahul return. But Pant should have been tried. Clearly, I did not understand what happened. Ishan Kishan is also waiting,” he concluded.