Kaif slams management over Prasidh pick

Before the third ODI against New Zealand, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif delivered a scathing indictment of bowler Prasidh Krishna. The three-match series is tied 1-1, and Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore will host the decisive encounter. With stats of 1/49 from nine overs at an economy rate of 5.4, Krishna had a respectable showing in the second ODI.

Kaif questioned the team management’s choice to sideline Arshdeep Singh in favour of Krishna. He noted that, save from a few exceptional performances, Krishna has frequently been pricey. While Arshdeep has claimed 22 wickets in 14 ODIs at a more remarkable economy rate of 5.29, Krishna has taken 40 wickets in 23 ODI matches with an economy rate of 6.02. India would want bowlers who can reliably defend totals if they hope to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kaif continued.

“Arshdeep, a wicket-taker who wants to develop Prasidh Krishna, is being left out. With the exception of a few games, he always goes for runs. I don’t see this team winning the World Cup if someone claims that India couldn’t win because there weren’t 280 runs. They will occasionally be 15–20 runs below par. You will also need to learn how to win games with 270-280 runs if you want to win the World Cup. On his YouTube channel, Kaif stated, “You have to learn how to win games with the ball when the score is under par.”

India must prevail despite the dew conditions: Kaif

Kaif added that the inability to defend India’s total in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot cannot be justified by dew. He underlined that dew always plays a role in night games and that Indian bowlers need to develop the ability to adjust and perform well in these situations.

“Dew will always exist. I believe that the strategy for winning should take precedence over these factors. Check out your ability to bowl despite the dew. This is something you’ll need to learn,” Kaif added.