File photo of Virat Kohli
With the Indian team trailing 0-1 and several senior players missing, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif is understandably worried about the Test series against England unfolding. While Virat Kohli withdrew from the first two matches against England due to personal reasons, the likes of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will miss the second Test in Vizag due to their respective injuries. While India has a string of impressive youngsters to step up and deliver, Kaif is keeping his fingers crossed hoping for Virat's quick return.
When asked about the player who can take over Kohli's absence, Kaif believes the likes of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal all have the potential to perform.
“What I think is that an Indian ODI team is currently playing Test cricket. Be it Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill, they are all stroke makers. Gill likes to shoot but doesn't have much confidence in his defense. He has to so adjust his defensive technique to get good bowling spells. Even Shreyas Iyer is an aggressive player,” Kaif told the Times of India.
Kaif also feels that the likes of Sarfraz Khan, who received his first Test call-up ahead of the Vizag encounter, could get a look. But the former India star knows it will be difficult for the Indian batting unit in Kohli's absence. , Rahul and Jadeja.
I hope it's not too late before Virat Kohli comes (after the second Test). Dhruv Jurel or in his current form, even Sarfaraz Khan can get a look. But in the absence of KL Rahul and Jadeja, the Indian batting will weaken, there is no doubt about that. Axar may have to bat at No. 8 and that's why I feel Washington Sundar could get a look as they want to bat up to No. 9,” he said.
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