Kapil Dev Wants India To Include Navdeep Saini In Playing XI For Second ODI

India’s world cup winning captain Kapil Dev has insisted on giving Navdeep Saini a place in the final eleven of the second ODI. New Zealand beat India in the first ODI of the three-match series by four wickets to lead the series 1-0. This was New Zealand’s first victory of the tour after losing five games in succession in the T20I series. Team India has come under severe questions after the loss.

The team management’s decision-making abilities have been questioned, especially after the bowling line up that the men in blue went with in the first ODI. Indian bowlers proved to be ineffective and indisciplined in the game. The inclusion of Shardul Thakur, in particular, has raised questions on team selection as he was the most expensive bowler for the men in blue. He gave away 80 runs in the nine overs that he bowled.

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Kapil Dev Insists on Bringing in Navdeep Saini

India’s legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev has also questioned Shardul Thakur’s inclusion in the first game. In an interview to ABP News, Kapil said, “You need a wicket-taking option. It is important to get Saini in the side not because India have lost the first ODI but he deserves a place in the side because of his pace and wicket-taking abilities. Look at Bumrah, he forces New Zealand to play him watchfully because whenever batsmen try to attack these bowlers can get wickets.”

He added, “Team selection should be never be based on liking or disliking. It should be on what the team requires and which combination can you win you games.”

Team India has come under a lot of fire after losing the first game of the series. Batting first, India put up a mammoth total of 347/5 in their 50 overs. But Indian bowlers proved ineffective in front of the Kiwi batting line up and couldn’t defend such a giant total. Indian bowlers gave away 29 extras in the game which included 24 wides. Shardul Thakur proved to be the costliest bowler with 80 runs in nine overs.

He was followed by Kuldeep Yadav who gave away 84 runs in the 10 overs he bowled. This was the second-highest run chase against India in the format and New Zealand’s highest-ever ODI run chase. India and New Zealand will now collide in the second game of the series on February 08 at the Eden Park in Auckland. If the men in blue eye a comeback in the series, they will have to win this game at all costs.

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