India Can Level the Series against England: Mohammad Kaif

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif supported the young Indian team. He said that Team India can make a comeback in the ongoing Test series in England. He also admitted that panic after defeat can spoil the rhythm of the team.

In an exclusive interview, Kaif praised the strength of the Indian team despite the absence of senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and R. Ashwin and lauded the leadership and batting of captain Shubman Gill.

Kaif advocated team selection and advised the team management not to take hasty decisions after the defeat. He stressed on the need to trust players like Karun Nair and support the current playing eleven. He said, "You played good cricket for four days and lost on the fifth day. This does not mean that you change your plans."

“There is a good chance of the series being tied at 2-2, India just have to keep calm and play smartly,” Kaif said on Jasprit Bumrah’s chances of playing in the next crucial Test and the team’s batting in form.

On India's performance in the series, Kaif said, "India dominated for 12-13 days out of the last 15. They played brilliant cricket with both bat and ball. When this team arrived in England, most people were predicting a 0-4 or 1-4 defeat, but this young team surprised everyone. Without Kohli, Rohit, Shami and Ashwin, this team performed brilliantly. Two close matches were lost—Headingley was within India's reach and also the last Test while chasing 193 runs. Shubman Gill performed brilliantly as captain and batsman. There were questions on his ability in English conditions, but he responded with the bat. With a little luck, India could have won all three Tests."

Talking about the last match's run-chase at Lord's and Ravindra Jadeja, Kaif said, "Jadeja played a brilliant innings and he deserves all the credit, but if he had been 10 per cent more aggressive, the result could have been different. It was the 5th day pitch and the ball was reversing, the bounce was uneven, and the conditions were difficult. When Yashasvi Jaiswal came to bat, he played only three balls. At that time it was important to manage the strike and keep in mind how many balls a tailender like Bumrah or Siraj was playing. Jadeja had done 90 per cent of the job. Just 10 per cent and some risky shots and the chase could have been completed. But, it is easy to say from the outside. Only a batsman can understand the pressure of that moment. Still, it was a memorable innings."

Talking about India's fielding, Kaif said, "Overall, India's fielding was good. There were some misfields and dropped catches, but that happens in every series. Karun Nair impressed me a lot - strong hands, clean catches and great technique. Rishabh Pant was missed. If Pant was fully fit, it would have made a big difference behind the wicket. Jaiswal dropped a crucial catch in the last match, which was the turning point. Such moments can change the course of the match. Still, the catching was largely fine. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul took some brilliant catches."

On fielding, taping and technique, Kaif said, "I am not a supporter of excessive taping. It makes the fingers numb and reduces flexibility. Too much taping makes the fingertips thick. When the ball hits, the tape acts like a sponge and reduces the impact, and the ball can slip out of the hand. When I used to field, I used to use saliva on my palms, it helped in catching the ball. One has to endure pain in fielding. You cannot avoid it and have to endure it. Jaiswal is a good fielder, we have seen this in IPL and Tests. But, too much taping on the fingers gives up his natural grip and feeling. Perhaps this was the reason for his missed catches."

On the Indian team selection approach, Mohammad Kaif said, “I have seen that when India loses, they panic. But when they win, they stick with the same playing XI. After losing the first Test, they made 2-3 changes. But after the win in Birmingham, only Bumrah was included, no other changes. This has been the pattern. Even after losing the third Test, I believe they should go with the same team in Manchester. Karun Nair has started with 30-40 runs, but he is not able to score runs. Still, he should get another chance. For me, this is England's weakest bowling attack in the last many years. No Broad, no Anderson, and Archer is not fully back yet. I have never seen such a weak England attack. Still, we could not chase 193 runs. That's where we lost the game. This is a test for both Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir. Will they panic and make changes after a close defeat? Or will they trust the players?”

On the team's morale, Kaif said that first of all, don't panic. Panic creates pressure and pressure leads to mistakes. Yes, India now needs to win both the remaining Tests. But this does not mean that you lose your composure. It is most important to stay calm.

Talking about India's batting, Kaif said that I think 80-90 percent of the Indian batting order is performing well. Gill is in form, Jaiswal has also made a significant contribution. Pant is playing with confidence and Jadeja is scoring runs consistently. Sundar has also performed well. If the batting is going well, there is no need to change it. Just keep repeating the same method.

On Jasprit Bumrah, Kaif said, "I have heard that Bumrah will play in the next Test and it is a big deal. He is taking wickets and getting important breakthroughs. In the last match, he almost won the match for India with the ball. He has got the much-needed rest, which will help him in his recovery. This is an important match and if India loses, the series will be over."

On the Indian team's chances, Kaif said, "India has a real chance of levelling the series 2-2 and I think the chances are quite high. This team is capable of making a strong comeback."

Talking about Shubman Gill's captaincy and toss decisions, Kaif said, "So far Shubman Gill has lost three tosses and in two we batted first. Apart from this, in one we chased the runs, in the match we chose to bowl first, we lost. I don't think bowling first was the right decision. Going forward, win the toss and bat first, like Virat Kohli used to do. Put runs on the board regardless of swing or weather. This is the mindset needed. Shubman is still young and learning, he has the potential to become a strong leader. These experiences will make him better."