Former Indian cricket player Mohammad Kaif has suggested one change to the Indian team’s starting lineup for the third ODI against England. In the series decider, which will be held at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, Kaif wants seasoned star KL Rahul to replace Washington Sundar. Notably, Rahul’s sickness prevented him from playing in the second ODI in Cardiff, and India’s middle-order unit’s poor batting caused them to lose.
In the third and final game of the series, Kaif predicted that the Gautam Gambhir-led squad would face a formidable opponent. He stated that a fit-again Rahul should definitely return to the starting lineup because Sunday’s game is a do-or-die contest and the series is currently poised at one. However, he also thinks that adding Rahul will put India’s bowling attack at risk.
“I think this is a bit of a test for the team now because of the five bowlers that were there in the second ODI, plus KL Rahul if he is fit,” he says. Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir want to bat until number eight; this has been the model that has been used. Up to No. 8, they have compromised their bowling but never their batting.
It’s a do-or-die game now, and I don’t recall them doing anything like that,” Kaif remarked on Cricbuzz.
The squad management is facing criticism after the unorthodox spinner Kuldeep Yadav was benched in the first two games. Kaif believes that an experienced player like Kuldeep should be involved, even though left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been brought in to replace the leaving Sundar.
“Since this is a series decider, two questions arise.” Will KL Rahul or Kuldeep Yadav be brought? They will have the same bowlers from the second ODI, including Shivam Dube, if KL Rahul shows up. In my opinion, Kuldeep Yadav should participate in this decisive game. He should be given an opportunity because he is a wicket-taker,” Kaif continued.
India and England will play their third ODI at Lord’s in London on Sunday, July 19. The winner of this game will win the series 2-1.
