Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested a replacement for Shubman Gill as captain for India’s upcoming home ODI series against South Africa. Gill sustained a neck injury during the first innings of the opening Test in Kolkata and had to leave the match early, receiving treatment at Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital.
Although he has been discharged, Gill is expected to miss the second Test and could also be unavailable for the ODI series. Kaif suggested KL Rahul could captain the series, saying the team won’t return to Rohit Sharma. Additionally, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains sidelined due to injury, casting doubt on his participation in the ODIs against the Proteas.
“They will not go back to Rohit Sharma. That is done. He will deny it himself. I feel KL Rahul is an option. He has captained before and has experience as well. I feel he will lead the side in the ODI series,” he said on his YouTube channel.
India will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series. The opening game is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi. The second ODI will take place in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, and the series concludes with the final match in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, December 6.
Mohammad Kaif Backs Left-Hander To Replace Gill In Second Test
With Shubman Gill likely to miss the second Test, Mohammad Kaif backed Sai Sudharsan to return to the team. Sudharsan, who scored 126 in the Delhi Test against the West Indies, was dropped for the first game against South Africa. Kaif suggested Sudharsan should reclaim his number three spot, with Washington Sundar moving down the order.
He added that while too many left-handers were in the lower order, specialist batters should be played in their preferred positions.
“There were many left-handers in the lower order, which is why Sundar was promoted. I believe specialist batters should play on these tracks, as they understand them better. The Guwahati pitch is likely to assist spinners, but our bowlers can take wickets in any conditions,” he said.
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