Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes India would have won if Kuldeep Yadav had played in the second ODI against Australia. India suffered a two-wicket loss in the second game of the series as the hosts took an unassailable lead of 2-0.
Kuldeep has been in fine form as he had scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches against the West Indies after taking 17 wickets in the Asia Cup but he has failed to find a place in the team in the first two games against Australia despite impressive numbers.
On the other hand, Adam Zampa returned with impressive figures of 4-60 in 10 overs he bowled and played a key role in Australia’s success.
“If Kuldeep was in the team, I guarantee you 100 percent that India would have won this game. When Zampa can come in and change the game by dismissing some big names, when there was grip and turn from the surface, then think what Kuldeep could have done against this inexperienced Australian middle order. This is a do-or-die match, you are not playing him, and Zampa, who was not even there in the last match, returned and took the man of the match. Kuldeep Yadav is a thousand times better bowler than Adam Zampa,” Kaif opined on his YouTube Channel.
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana returned with figures of 2-59 in eight overs he bowled but Kaif said he fails to understand the fast bowler’s strengths.
“I’m following Harshit Rana a lot, but he does not have a strength delivery. It’s not like he has a solid outswinger or an inswinger. When we speak about Siraj or Bumrah, they have their strengths, like their yorkers, pace, or slower ones. But I can’t figure out what Harshit Rana’s strength is. It’s not like he bowls over 140. Play either one of Rana or Reddy, because both of them can’t play together. Kuldeep Yadav sitting out for this is a clear injustice,” Kaif added.
“When the required rate is 9 or 10 runs per over, there Harshit Rana is effective because his strength is change of pace. But when batters are playing like Test cricket when the required rate is around 5 or 6 runs per over, the bowler has to bring more skills to outfox the batter when he is playing in 3rd gear,” Kaif added.
The third and final ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
