Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Mumbai Indians (MI) could prefer Arshdeep Singh over Trent Boult in IPL 2027 following their reported trade with Punjab Kings (PBKS).
MI have traded Hardik Pandya to PBKS in exchange for Arshdeep Singh ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. Kaif reckons the arrival of the Indian left-arm pacer will give the five-time champions more flexibility in selecting their overseas players.
The former UP batter reckons the five-time champions had to leave out foreign players like Sherfane Rutherford and Corbin Bosch to accommodate Boult in the playing XI in the previous season.
“Trent Boult is an overseas pacer. When he plays, someone like Rutherford or Bosch needs to sit out. So with Arshdeep coming in as an Indian bowler, MI will have another option to play a foreign player instead of Boult. I think Arshdeep will play ahead of Boult. Then even Ghazanfar can play more. Bosch got very few games last season. He did well. I think this is what their plan will be,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, Kaif doesn’t want Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals upon his return to the franchise. The former batter believes either Axar Patel or KL Rahul can lead the franchise in the upcoming season.
“I think Rishabh Pant could deliver as per expectations as captain at LSG. There was also more pressure added on him. I feel he may not be made DC captain right away on his return. I feel the present players should get a chance first. Maybe KL Rahul could become the captain. It will be between Rahul and Axar. I feel Rahul is ahead. He is experienced and scoring as well. If they look to change captaincy, it can be Rahul,” he said.
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
