IND vs NZ: Mohammad Kaif Gives Suggestion On Replacement For Washington Sundar In 2nd ODI

Former India batter and now commentator Mohammad Kaif has suggested that seamer Arshdeep Singh should replace injured Washington Sundar for the second ODI against New Zealand. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, in Rajkot.

Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury during the first ODI in Vadodara on January 11 and has been ruled out, while Ayush Badoni has received his maiden call-up. During a discussion on his You Tube channel on January 12, Kaif said the team might consider Badoni as a like for like replacement for Sundar, but he would prefer the youngster to observe from the bench and how things unfold in international cricket.

Mohammad Kaif wants Arshdeep Singh to be replacement for Washington Sundar

The 45-year-old Mohammad Kaif added that given the team management’s strategy of requiring batting depth down to Number 8, this plan could work against Arshdeep Singh. Mohammad Kaif said: “I feel that if he (Ayush) is given a chance after a little wait, it would be good. But because India are looking for an all-rounder, they could also push Ayush there. However, I feel if you also push Arshdeep Singh, having four last bowlers and batting up to number seven, it won’t be a bad option on a good pitch.” 

Mohammad Kaif added: “If you go for like to like, then you mentioned Badoni’s name there. After that, who is left in the squad? Right now, Jaiswal is sitting out, and who else? Arshdeep Singh is there. So I feel maybe you would want Ayush to sit and let him see how people play at the international level. It will be good for him, just to see how players approach, games at the international stage. He is a young player, so I would want Arshdeep Singh to get a chance.” 

Mohammad Kaif continued: “Jadeja and Kuldeep are already there as two spinners. And in yesterday’s match, as you saw, in January there is a lot of swing. All the wickets fell to fast bowlers. But the main problem will be that this Indian team needs batting up to number eight. Arshdeep Singh does not contribute with the bat, so in that case, you would want an all-rounder.” 

India will head into the second ODI on a high, having won the first match by four wickets while chasing 301, with Virat Kohli earning the Player of the Match award for his 93 run knock.

Mohammad Kaif lavishes massive praise on Harshit Rana. 

In the same video, Mohammad Kaif also lavished huge praise on Harshit Rana who returned with figures of 2/65 in 10 overs and contributed 29 runs with the bat in the first ODI. Kaif noted that Rana’s pace has improved and that he is bowling in the right areas with confidence.

Mohammad Kaif said: “The way I saw him perform in yesterday’s match, I feel that his morale is very high and he is improving as he plays. In yesterday’s match, he took two wickets. He didn’t get much in the first spell, but in the second spell, he dismissed Nicholls with a slower ball and then Conway. I am noticing that his bowling has gained a bit more pace.” 

Mohammad Kaif further added: “Earlier, he used to bowl slightly short of length and looked a bit nervous. Of course, people on social media and we ourselves have discussed that he was not bowling well and needed to improve while playing, and he did that in yesterday’s match. Batting is a plus, but his primary role is bowling, and taking those two wickets helped the Indian team make a comeback. Otherwise, New Zealand could have scored 350-400 given the strong start and the opening partnership.” 

Mohammad Kaif concluded: “I can see speed and confidence in his bowling now. The biggest strength of a fast bowler is their belief in themselves, and I was happy to see that in him. The way the ball was carrying and the increase in pace was noticeable. Earlier, he bowled around 130 km/hr, but now his deliveries are around 135-138 km/hr. There is swing, and he is hitting the right areas. Earlier, he used to bowl mostly back of length balls, which batters often pull or cut. I really liked his bowling. And with the bat, the crucial 29 runs he scored yesterday were a turning point in the match.” 

The 24-year-old Harshit Rana has played 12 ODIS for India, taking 22 wickets at an average of 26.18 and a strike rate of 25.9 and an economy of 6.06, with best figures of 4/39.

What Lies Ahead. 

So, the stage is set for the second ODI to begin in Rajkot on Wednesday January 14th at 1:30 PM IST onwards. It remains to be seen who replaces Washington Sundar in the squad. Will it be Ayush Badoni or Arshdeep Singh or even for that matter Nitish Kumar Reddy. We shall find that out at toss time. Also, whether Harshit Rana can continue his good work in the coming matches.

A cracking contest awaits us in Rajkot.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli Helps India Draw First Blood With Nervy Win