The Indian cricket team is all set to take on Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series under head coach VVS Laxman and skipper KL Rahul.
In a sudden change of events, Shikhar Dhawan, who was initially picked to lead the side, was abruptly replaced by Rahul as the captain which raised a lot of eyebrows.
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif stated that it is not good for Dhawan to be replaced by Rahul as skipper.
BCCI released a formal statement on Monday (August 15) that said, "The BCCI Medical Team has assessed KL Rahul and cleared him to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has appointed him the captain of the side and named Shikhar Dhawan as his deputy."
Many former cricketers were upset by the BCCI's decision since they thought it was insulting to a veteran player like Dhawan.
If the Men in Blue had entered the field under the southpaw's captaincy, Kaif argued, Rahul wouldn't have been affected and the entire incident could have been avoided.
"The captaincy episode could have been avoided. Maybe KL Rahul's medical report came in late, and it could be a case of miscommunication as well. If India would have played this series under Dhawan, as initially announced, I don't think it would have bothered KL Rahul. But I totally agree, if someone has been announced as captain, he should remain as captain. Dhawan is an easy-going personality, but it isn't right on a player," Kaif said during a media interaction.
The former cricketer praised the southpaw's determination and added that it is difficult to continuously score a lot of runs when playing only one format.
"There is a lot of cricket left in Shikhar Dhawan as he plays just one format for India. He scores heaps of runs in IPL as well and his call-up in just ODIs sometimes surprises me a bit. He is a better player and can play both T20Is and Tests as well. I salute him for his determination. Playing just one format and scoring tons of runs is not easy. Wherever he gets an opportunity, he continues to score runs. Whenever Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma have played well together, India have been successful," Kaif said.
In the recently concluded Caribbean tour, the stylish left-hander amassed 168 runs in three ODIs at an impressive average of 56.
The three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe will start on Thursday (August 18) at the Harare Sports Club. The second and third ODI will be played on August 20 and 22 at the same venue.
(FIRSTPOST INPUTS)
