Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes it is a good call by the team management to back KL Rahul in the middle order.
Rahul had missed the first ODI against West Indies due to personal reasons and he replaced Ishan Kishan in the second ODI on Wednesday.
Rahul batted at number four in the second ODI as India experimented of opening the innings with Rishabh Pant, who has been earlier backed to bat at number four. With India having opening options such as Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad waiting in the wings, Rahul could add more value in the middle order.
However, Rahul has got off to a slow start in the second ODI as India has lost three early wickets. Furthermore, the flamboyant batter had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Shai Hope when he was only on fou runs.
“Rahul in the middle-order is a good alternative in ODI cricket. India are looking for someone like Yuvraj, Dhoni and Raina since their departure. Hardik does that role but he’s still has a long way to go before he becomes a match-winner. India also have Jadeja there but Rahul at No. 5 spot is a great choice,” said Kaif on Star Sports in the pre-match show.
“You have Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma at the top and Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant next in the line-up… and Rahul at fifth spot is a great option. Hooda is currently playing because India is searching for an additional bowling option. But against the West Indies, India doesn’t need a sixth bowler,” he further added.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul has grabbed his opportunity while opening the innings in Test series. Rahul had delivered the goods while opening with Rohit Sharma against England in 2021. Furthermore, he scored a fine hundred in the first Test match against South Africa.
In fact, Rahul has done well while batting at number five and he has the skills to bat according to the match situation.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma was happy after West Indies stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and decided to bowl first.
“It’s going to be a challenging one, we always wanted to bat first, put the score on the board and today gives us a chance. We’re not thinking too far ahead at the moment, if we do the things right, we will always do well and get the runs on the board. One change for us – KL Rahul comes back in place of Ishan Kishan,” said India captain Rohit.
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