'Without stars like Bumrah...': Kaif's blistering 'Rohit and Dravid' message ahead of World Cup amid blazing criticism
While most have gone to the extent of writing off the side for the 2023 World Cup, Mohammad Kaif has jumped to Team India's defense with a blistering message.
Over the last two weeks, the Indian team succumbed to three defeats in four limited-overs matches against West Indies on their Caribbean tour. The first was in the second ODI match of the three-game series, following which India bounced back to claim the trophy, and later went down twice in the T20Is on consecutive occasions to trail 0-2 in the five-game contest. The three defeats have led to India being criticised by fans across social media, who questioned the strength of the squad beyond Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. And while most have gone to the extent of writing off the side for the impending ODI World Cup, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has jumped to Team India's defense with a blistering message.
With India struggling with injury issues and concerns over the return of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul for the Asia Cup and World Cup, the aim of the team management was to find depth in the ODI squad and keep back-ups ready for worst-case scenario. And nothing would have provided India with a better platform to test it than the West Indies tour.
ALSO READ: 'No point brushing it aside': Prasad blasts India's lack of 'intensity, hunger', Chahal blunder after 2nd straight loss
Hence, Kohli took a backseat in the batting order in the 1st ODI match while Rohit walked in at the fag end of the chase at No.7 only to score the winning run. In the next two matches, they benched themselves to put the likes of Sanju Samson, Axar Patel and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead.
Ishan Kishan was the only consistent performer in the series, Shubman Gill and Samson only found their feet in the last match while Suryakumar Yadav continued to struggle as India lost the second ODI match before winning the third and claiming the series. Amid the hot and cold show against a team that has failed to make the 2023 World Cup this year, India were immensely criticised by fans and few experts as well.
Taking to Twitter during the 2nd T20I match between India and West Indies on Sunday in Guyana, Kaif urged the fans to back Rohit, Rahul Dravid and the Men in Blue rather than write them off.
“Small request for cricket fans: Don't write off Indian team. Show unity, don't be divided by your individual choice of players. Rohit and Dravid have played big tournaments without stars like Bumrah. World Cup is coming home, the boys need your support," he said.
India have already completed their ODI assignments ahead of the Asia Cup. They will however play a final series in the format at home against Australia before heading towards the World Cup which begins from October 5 onwards.
