Grooming An All-Rounder Is Not A Bad Idea: Mohammad Kaif Takes A Dig At Indian Selectors

The biggest talking point in the ongoing ODI series surrounding India is the lack of a sixth bowling option in their set-up. With Hardik Pandya not available to bowl just yet and none of the top-5 batsmen boasting of the ability to bowl, Virat Kohli has found himself hamstrung for options.

And, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami unable to provide them breakthroughs upfront, the problem has only compounded manifolds.

Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif feels that no amount of chopping and changing will give Virat Kohli the sixth bowling option on the ongoing tour and that the selectors have missed the trick in not opting for a seam-bowling all-rounder.

”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 wrote on Twitter.

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 (@MohammadKaif) November 28, 2020

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra responded by reminding Kaif of the lack of such options in the country besides asking whom he would have picked in the set-up.

“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?,” Aakash Chopra responded.

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? https://t.co/gQe44POwil

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 28, 2020

Kaif responded by reminding Aakash Chopra about the No.4 conundrum that India failed to resolve ahead of the 2019 World Cup and the selection issues that plague Indian cricket.

”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,” Mohammad Kaif said in his response to Aakash Chopra.

Also Read- India Can’t Win A World Cup With The Current Team Combination: Michael Vaughan

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 https://t.co/PNnLSRQx9e

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 28, 2020