Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif showed concern about the Indian team ahead of the second Test of the five-match series against England. Trailing 0-1 in the series, India will face England in the second match in Vishakhapatnam from February 2 onwards.
Notably, Virat Kohli is still out of contention as he had withdrawn from the first two Tests owing to personal issues. But the Indian team was handed a huge setback as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batter KL Rahul were also ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.
This means India goes into the important match with Rohit Sharma being the most experienced batter in the lineup. Though India has a string of impressive youngsters to step up and deliver, Kaif is keeping his fingers crossed, hoping for Virat's quick return.
"What I feel is that an Indian ODI team is playing Test cricket at the moment. Be it Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, or Shubman Gill, all are strokemakers. Gill loves to hit shots but doesn't have much confidence in his defense. So he has to make adjustments to his defensive technique to see off good bowling spells. Even Shreyas Iyer is an aggressive player," Kaif told the Times of India.
Mohammad Kaif feels that Sarfaraz Khan, who received his maiden India call-up, might find himself making his debut for India in the second Test. But, the former India star knows it will be difficult for the Indian batting unit in the absence of Kohli, Rahul, and Jadeja.
“I hope it isn't too late till Virat Kohli comes (after the second Test). Dhruv Jurel or in his current form, even Sarfaraz Khan can get a look in. But in the absence of KL Rahul and Jadeja, the Indian batting will weaken, no doubt about that. Akshar may have to bat at No.8 and that's why I feel Washington Sundar can get a look-in because they want batting till No. 9," he said.
