Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, has commented that Rohit Sharma will not be considered again by the selectors for captaincy if Shubman Gill’s absence from the next ODI series against South Africa is confirmed. Kaif identified the wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul as the most appropriate option and even mentioned that he is a little bit experienced with India’s captain in the past.
During the first innings of the first Test against South Africa, which is taking place in Kolkata, Gill suffered a neck injury. He was then taken to Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital for scans and treatment followed by his discharge. Gill is thought to be out not only for the second Test but possibly also for the ODI series.
Rohit Sharma won’t be appointed as the captain: Mohammad Kaif
According to Mohammad Kaif, if Shubman Gill is not part of the ODI series, then KL Rahul will be the one to lead India in the series. He indicated that the team will not support Rohit Sharma for the position.
Kaif also mentioned that the vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is injured and uncertain for the ODIs against South Africa, which casts doubt over the whole team. That makes Rahul the most experienced and reasonable candidate to take over.
“They won’t go back to Rohit Sharma. That’s it. He will deny it himself. I view KL Rahul as an option. He has held the captaincy before and he has experience. I think he will be the one to lead the team in the ODI series,” he said on his YouTube channel.
This Indian Team Loves batting depth and all rounders: Kaif
Mohammad Kaif suggested that if Shubman Gill cannot participate in the second Test, then Sai Sudharsan should be selected for the XI. Kaif asserted that India required a proper top-order batter rather than temporary ones. He further contended that on difficult turning tracks, more experienced batters are less likely to be out.
“There were many left-handers in the lower-order which was one of the reasons Sundar was sent up the order. He was sent up to break that. This Indian team loves all-rounders and batting depth. Even left-handers are very much favored in this team,” Kaif said.
“But I think that the tracks are to be for specialist batters and they have a better chance to do well as they have an understanding. I think Guwahati will also have a turning track because the pitch would have been prepared already. But play on such pitches where our batters can score. We have bowlers who can take wickets in all conditions,” he affirmed.
Second Test in Guwahati from Saturday
Sai Sudharsan’s last appearance for the Indian Test team was during the series against the West Indies, where he made a total of 126 runs in the match played at Delhi while batting at No. 3. However, the left-handed batter was not picked for the first Test against South Africa, where Washington Sundar was promoted to the No. 3 spot.
The second Test match will commence at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Saturday, November 22. If Shubman Gill is unable to play, Rishabh Pant will take over as the team’s captain.
India will then have a three-match ODI series with South Africa as a sequel to the Test series, starting in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The second ODI will take place in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. Visakhapatnam will host the last match of the series on Sunday, December 6.
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