‘Players Are Scared’: Mohammad Kaif Slams Gautam Gambhir for Fueling Insecurity in Indian Team

Mohammad Kaif has criticised the current atmosphere in the Indian men’s team, saying players are struggling to perform freely because insecurity has started to dominate the dressing room. He pointed to the recent treatment of Sarfaraz Khan and Sai Sudharsan, who were left out despite notable performances, as a major reason for the squad’s declining confidence.

Kaif’s remarks followed India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, where the hosts failed to chase 123 on a sharply turning surface. The loss marked India’s fourth defeat in eight home Tests under Gautam Gambhir.

“Whichever players are playing, they don’t have a feeling that someone is standing for them. Koi backing nahi hai, sab darr ke khel rahe hain. (There is no backing; everyone is playing with fear.) Sab dar ke khel rahe hain, koi khul ke nahi khel raha (Everyone is playing in fear, nobody is playing with freedom),” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif Says India Missed Sudharsan & Sundar’s Spin Skills

The former cricketer then pointed out that Sarfaraz Khan, who scored 150 during India’s first home whitewash, has not returned to the XI since the following tour of Australia. Kaif added that Sai Sudharsan, who impressed with scores of 87 and 39 against the West Indies, was also sidelined for the current series, with Washington Sundar preferred instead. He argued that both Sudharsan and Sundar, having grown up on turning tracks in Chennai, are naturally strong against spin and could have strengthened India’s batting in Kolkata.

READ ALSO | Harbhajan Singh Blames India for ‘Destroying Test Cricket’ With Spin-Heavy Pitches

“If Sarfaraz Khan’s place is not confirmed after 100 scoring a hundred. Even after scoring 100, he’s not able to make a comeback. Sai Sudharsan scored 87. He doesn’t play the next Test match. I think there is a lot of confusion in this team… Players ko apne pe belief kam ho gaya hai, thoda insecurity bhi aa gyi hai (Players are not believing in themselves, there is insecurity as well). When there is insecurity and you come to play at turning tracks, you won’t be able to do well,” he said.

“Why did Sundar play well? He comes from Chennai and has grown by playing on turning tracks. He knows how to use his feet and which balls to play with soft hands. How to keep the bottom hand. Sai Sudharsan also comes from Chennai. If he were there at No. 3 and Sundar at No. 8, you would have won this Test match. He plays spin very well. Sudharsan comes from Chennai. He’s in form and scored 87. He’s not there in the playing XI,” Kaif concluded.