NZ v IND 2020: Kapil Dev critical of Indian team management after disappointing loss in first Test

Kapil believes regular chopping and changing of players has plagued the growth of the Indian team.

By Kashish Chadha - 25 Feb, 2020

Legendary Kapil Dev made a critical remark against the current Indian team management over its inconsistent selection policy, saying regular chopping and changing of players has not allowed them to settle into their positions, especially in limited-overs cricket. 

Kapil was not one bit impressed by India's performance in its embarrassing ten-wicket defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against New Zealand in Wellington. 

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“Have to praise New Zealand, they are playing very good cricket. The 3 ODIs and this Test match, they have been excellent. If we analyse this match critically, well, I do not understand how can one make so many changes," Kapil told ABP news.

"There is a new team in almost every match. No one in the team is permanent, if there is no security over your place, it will affect the form of the players."

Even the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, captain Virat Kohli found life extremely difficult against a quality New Zealand pace attack as India folded twice inside four days for 165 & 191 in trying circumstances at the Basin Reserve. "Such big names in the batting order, if you cannot score even 200 runs in 2 innings, you have not been able to conquer conditions," Kapil said. "You have to focus more on planning and strategy."

The 61-year-old former all-rounder is also of the belief that India made a mistake by not drafting back an in-form KL Rahul in the Test side for this tour. Rahul was dropped from the squad last year after his struggles on tours to South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies but has since enjoyed a prolific run in ODIs and T20Is. 

"I do not understand. There is a lot of difference between when we played and what is happening now," Kapil said. "When you build a team, you have to give confidence to players. When there are so many changes made, it does not make sense. Management believes in format-specific players. Rahul is in great form, he is sitting out, it does not make sense. I believe when a player is in form, he needs to play."

(Inputs from ABP news)

By Kashish Chadha - 25 Feb, 2020

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