Mohammad Kaif lambasted the Indian team management for not selecting Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the decisive third ODI between India and England at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19.
The former India batter empathised with Kuldeep, especially after he didn't get a chance to play despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, an Varun Chakaravarthy. While Varun was injured ahead of the series, Sundar and Bumrah picked up injuries amid the series. Kaif
called India's bowling attack for the third ODI one-dimensional and lacking variety. The cricketer-turned-expert highlighted Kuldeep's excellent numbers in the 50-over format, where he has bagged 194 wickets in 118 ODI innings at an average of 27.05.
"Kuldeep Yadav should be thinking of packing his bags and saying goodbye to international cricket. Today there was no Bumrah, no Washington, no Varun but Kuldeep still didn't find a place in 11. India's bowling attack at Lord's is one dimensional and lacks variety. A left-arm wrist spinner would have come handy. Remember he has 194 wickets in 118 ODIs. It seems these numbers don't matter," Kaif wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle.
India did have a forgettable outing with the ball on Sunday. All the bowlers, apart from Axar Patel, looked lacklustre. Gurnoor Brar, who has had an impresssive start to his international career, gave away 97 runs in his 10 overs. No bowler could finish with an economy rate of under six.
Ben Duckett was the top-scorer for England as he smashed 141 off 135 balls. Jacob Bethell (91) and Joe Root (74*) notched up solid half-centuries, while Jos Buttler amassed an unbeaten cameo of 41 off 13 balls. England finished on 387/3 in their 50 overs and India will need to bat out of their skin to emerge victorious.
