Kaif Recommends One Change After Sundar’s Injury Setback

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has advocated one change to India’s starting lineup for the third One-Day International against England.

Kaif wants senior player KL Rahul to replace Washington Sundar in the series decider, which will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Notably, Rahul missed the second ODI in Cardiff due to a sickness, and India lost due to poor batting from their middle order.

According to Kaif, the Gautam Gambhir-led squad would have a big task in the series’ third and final encounter. He stated that given that Sunday’s game is a must-win and the series is currently tied at one, a healthy Rahul should surely return to the starting lineup.

The addition of KL Rahul may jeopardise India’s bowling attack. Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill enjoy batting until No. 8; this has been the formula that has been followed. They compromised their bowling but not their batting till No. 8.

I don’t remember them doing anything like that, and now it’s a do-or-die situation,” Kaif told Cricbuzz.

Kuldeep Yadav, an unusual spinner, was benched for the first two games, and the squad management has come under scrutiny. Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, has been recruited to replace Sundar.

However, Kaif believes that an experienced player like Kuldeep should be involved in the series decider. Will they bring Kuldeep Yadav or KL Rahul? If KL Rahul enters, they will have the same bowlers in the second ODI, including Shivam Dube.

Personally, I believe Kuldeep Yadav should play in the decider. He is a wicket-taker, and he deserves a shot,” Kaif said.

On Sunday, July 19, India and England will play their third one-day international at Lord’s in London. The winner of this match will go on to win the series 2-1.