IND vs WI: KL Rahul At No. 5 Is A Great Choice - Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels that India is on the lookout for a player who can play the role of former cricketers, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. For the same purpose, they are testing out Deepak Hooda.

With Hardik Pandya injured and out of form, the Indian team needs a proper all-rounder to balance the side. Since Ravindra Jadeja is also out after suffering an injury, the management tried Venkatesh Iyer and now Hooda.

“Rahul in the middle-order is a good alternative in ODI cricket. India are looking for someone like Yuvraj, Dhoni, and Raina since their departure. Hardik does that role but he’s still has a long way to go before he becomes a match-winner. India also have Jadeja there but Rahul at No. 5 spot is a great choice,” Kaif said on Star Sports.

“Hooda is currently playing because India is searching for an additional bowling option” – Mohammad Kaif

Compared to the previous generation of batters, the current batch doesn’t provide overs with the ball. Back then, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, or Yuvraj could chip in with overs and offset the damage due to a bowler having an off-day. In Hooda, the Indian team is hoping to uncover the same potential.

“You have Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma at the top and Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant next in the line-up… and Rahul at fifth spot is a great option. Hooda is currently playing because India is searching for an additional bowling option. But against the West Indies, India doesn’t need a sixth bowler,” Kaif added.

The second ODI got underway on Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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