Kaif wasn't happy with Rishabh Pant's demotion in batting order.
Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif was disappointed with Team India’s strategy for the opening match of the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies on Friday (July 29).
He couldn’t understand what India was trying to do by sending Suryakumar Kumar to open the innings along with the skipper, Rohit Sharma, in the first T20I against the West Indies.
The former batter believes that Suryakumar should have played as a middle-order batter while Rishabh Pant should be backed as an opener in India’s playing XI in T20I cricket. He also urged India head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit to give Pant enough opportunities as an opener in the T20I team.
Mohammad Kaif was quoted as saying on Fancode: “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.”
He further explained, “And this strategy of captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, they back the players at least 5-6 matches. But this did not happen with Pant. And Suryakumar has the role of controlling the innings in the middle and adding those finishing touches.”
Kaif concluded, “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.”