Team India badly missed the 6th bowling option during their 66-run defeat in the ODI series opener against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday (November 27).
In the aftermath of the game, skipper Virat Kohli said Hardik Pandya, who is remodelling his action following a back surgery, is not fit enough to bowl which is affecting the balance of the side.
Now, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has blamed the selectors for not pondering over the 6th bowling option, someone who can bat as well.
“No amount of chopping or changing will give Virat Kolhi the sixth bowling option on this tour. A pace-bowling all-rounder who doesn't bowl, a long tail, no part-time bowler in top order or on the bench. Feel for the captain. The selectors missed a trick I think #AusvInd,” Mohammad Kaif tweeted on Saturday (November 28).
Responding to Kaif’s tweet, former India opener Aakash Chopra asked who could’ve been India’s 6th bowling option, pointing at the lack of cricketers with multiple skill-sets.
“Who could they have picked, partner? Shankar? Dube? Someone who could bat in top 6 and bowl. How many in India have those skills for 50-over cricket?,” Chopra stated.
In reply, Kaif wrote: “Since playing 5 bowlers is too big a risk considering niggles or a bad day on the field for someone, partner grooming an all-rounder is not a bad idea. Oh sorry, I forgot we will deal with playing XI problems at the last minute, days before the next World Cup #RememberNo4.”
Team India conceded a mammoth 374/6 in the opening ODI. Amid the carnage, Mohammad Shami did well with the ball, claiming 3 wickets by conceding 59 runs in his 10 overs.
In reply, the visitors could manage 308/8 in 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan (74 off 86 balls) and Hardik Pandya (90 off 76 balls) were the lone warriors during the chase.
