Team India sustained a shocking defeat to New Zealand in the first ODI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. As they gear up to level terms in the three-match series, former India World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev has suggested one change in the side. The second ODI is on February 8 (Saturday) at the Eden Park in Auckland.
The Men in Blues benched Navdeep Saini in favour of Shardul Thakur as skipper Virat Kohli spoke about the batting abilities of the cricketer from Mumbai. Management's decision-making abilities received severe criticisms from all quarters as the bowling unit fell flat in the first ODI in Hamilton. Thakur went for 80 runs from nine overs as India failed to create any pressure on the opposition.
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India's legendary skipper Kapil Dev also raised speculations over the inclusion of Shardul Thakur. In an interview with ABP News, the former all-rounder backed Navdeep Saini to be in the playing XI. Saini looked good in the last T20Is and impressed with his pace and bounce.
“You need a wicket-taking option. It is important to get Saini in the side not because India have lost the first ODI but he deserves a place in the side because of his pace and wicket-taking abilities. Look at Bumrah, he forces New Zealand to play him watchfully because whenever batsmen try to attack these bowlers can get wickets," Dev said.
Furthermore, Kapil Dev also slammed the management over their team selection. He expressed that the selection should be based on performance and solely on team combination and not on liking.
“Team selection should be never be based on liking or disliking. It should be on what the team requires and which combination can you win you games," he concluded.