Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that if Shubman Gill is unable to play in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, then the selectors will not return to Rohit Sharma for captaincy. Kaif said wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul is the most suitable option, adding that he has previous captaincy experience with India.
Gill suffered a neck injury during the first innings of the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was later taken to Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital for scans and treatment before being discharged. It is expected that Gill will not be able to play in the second Test and he may also not be available for the ODI series.
They will not go back to Rohit Sharma – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that if Shubman Gill is dropped then KL Rahul is the most likely option to captain India in the ODI series. He said that the team will not support Rohit Sharma for this role.
Kaif also said that with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer injured and uncertain for the South Africa ODIs, Rahul is the most experienced and practical option to take charge.
He said on his YouTube channel, “They will not go back to Rohit Sharma. It has happened. He himself will deny it. I think KL Rahul is an option. He has captained before and also has experience. I think he will lead the team in the ODI series.”
This Indian team loves all-rounders and batting depth – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that if Shubman Gill is unable to play the second Test, then Sai Sudarshan should come back to the eleven. Kaif said that India needs a proper top-order batsman rather than temporary options. He said that on challenging turning surfaces, specialist batsmen are better equipped to survive.
Kaif said, “There were too many left-handed batsmen together in the lower order, which is why Sundar was sent up. To break it, he went up. This Indian team loves all-rounders and batting depth. Even left-handed batsmen are liked a lot in this team.”
“But I think specialist batsmen should play on these pitches and they have a better chance to perform well because they have the understanding. I think Guwahati will also have a turning track because the pitch will already be prepared. But play on such pitches where our batsmen can score. We have bowlers who can take wickets in all conditions,” he said.
The second test will be held in Guwahati from Saturday.
Sai Sudarshan last played for India in the Test series against West Indies. He scored a total of 126 runs while batting at number 3 in the Delhi match. However, the left-handed batsman was dropped for the opening Test against South Africa, where Washington Sundar was promoted to the No. 3 position.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. If Shubman Gill is out of the match then Rishabh Pant will lead the team.
After the Test series, India will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series starting on Sunday, November 30 in Ranchi. The teams will play the second ODI on Wednesday, December 3 in Raipur. The series will conclude with the final match on Sunday, December 6 in Visakhapatnam.
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